Dec 25
As the water trickled down my body, the memories threatened to force their way back into my head, as my last attempt to block them I switched on the cold shower. Finally, it worked. I could at least forget my past and my identity, at least while I took a bath. When I came out, I dressed my wounds as my parents had taught me and decided to turn on the news.
''A car accident has taken place on the Sewyn Road near the St. Peter Church. A burnt car has been found with two bodies. The number plate as recovered by the police has pin-pointed the car-owner to be Mr. Will. Also, a track of footprints with traces of blood around them have been found leading into the forest from the scene of the crash. Experts and detectives have affirmed that the bodies are of Mr and Mrs. Will and the footprints are of their adopted daughter Rose Claire Will. According to their statement, Rose had been able to get out of the car before it blasted and was able to escape in the wee hours of the morning.
'The forest is a dangerous place with many wild animals. A search party has been sent in, which is being led by Sergeant Kim. We will also be searching the Will's house and checking in with their friends, in case Rose has or will contact them for help. If we are not able to find her for 1 week, she will be considered dead. The forest is a large piece of land and there are many wild animals in it which can kill Rose.' This is the statement said by Detective Roberts himself.''
The news finally let in the storm of memories. Memories that hurt me like no other.
-
When I woke up after the blast, the first thing I saw was the car in a fried state as though somebody had put in a toast but left it for too long. I saw my parents in, but they were no longer recognisable, there was not much of them left. After I was able to walk on my feet, I walked up to the car and kneeled down. My tears came gushing out and I was also blaming God for my misfortune. Not one of my loved ones had ever remained by my side.
After a few hours of letting my feelings out, I decided to return back to the place I called home but which no longer was one. I took a few things which had surprisingly survived the explosion, like my parent's prized possessions, their favourite rings. The rings had been custom made for their wedding (according to what they told me at least) and as far as I knew, after me, the rings would be next on their list of things to grab and run during a fire.
I walked downhill. By now it was a bit easier because it had stopped snowing and the sun was rising in the sky. I realized that I had to soon find a place to bandage my wounds as blood was dripping from them and had already formed a trail through the snow. Also, I had to redress my old injuries as their dressing had been damaged due to the fall and explosion.
Midway, I encountered the forest, the Forbidden Forest as they called it. It was called that due to the wild and savage, flora and fauna found in it.
From a distance I saw some large and broad leaves scattered around a tree. I used those to dress my wounds and rested for a bit. Meanwhile, my mind was in chaos. I could barely register the recent events and was in turmoil. I finally decided that for now my main aim would be to get to the place I called home.
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Recalling the past reminded me of something I had missed, something significant in the plans I would be making for my future. The 'rose plant' that my mother had asked me to find.
In our house we had many rose flowers because of my name (obviously..), but out of them one was special as in that one flower pot we had different colours of roses unlike the other pots which only had red roses. Furthermore, my parents kept this plant in their room and personally nurtured it, that is why it's also the most beautiful one in our house.
I searched the plant for something my parents could have left me but found nothing until I unearthed it. That is when, I found a black queen (chess piece).