The smile etched on Annabella's face faded. She's alone for the last time. Not unusual but the feeling of emptiness that fills the soul is very thick. Until she failed to please her own heart.
Annabella arrived at her house. The gate is open.
"You're late today, Anna," said Mrs. Flyn. The only neighbor who cares about her.
"Yes, Mrs. Flynn. There's a lot of work today. Many customers are at the cafe," replied Annabella.
"Wait here for a while. I have an apple pie. " Mrs. Flynn went into the house. Soon, the woman came out holding a plastic container containing apple pie.
"Thank you," Annabella said when the apple pie had changed hands.
"Eat it," Mrs. Flynn said. She watched Annabella step into the house. She felt sympathy for the girl's fate.
The apple pie received from Mrs. Flynn was placed in the refrigerator. Tomorrow morning, she can eat it as breakfast. The muffin that Mrs. Flynn had for yesterday is still left. So, she can have it as dinner tonight. After that, she went straight into the room to clean her sticky body with sweat.
After taking a shower, she headed to the kitchen. A box of milk is poured into a glass. Bitten chocolate muffins. What she ate, tasted bitter and tasteless. She lost the pleasure of eating because it has been buried with memories.
After dinner, she went straight into the bedroom. She needs to go to bed early to work tomorrow. However, her eyes were still fresh. Annabella got up from bed. The windows are left open so that moonlight can penetrate the room.
"Annabella ... Where's my baby girl?"
"Dad! Anna here! "
"I didn't see her. Is she playing hide and seek?"
"Dad! Anna here. " The five-year-old Annabella jumped up and down when her father pretended not to see her.
"Where?"
"Boo!" Annabella hugged her father from behind. She laughed when she saw his father's shocked face.
"Here you are!"
Annabella smiled as she recalled the memories with her late father when she was five years old.
Why did you leave me, dad?
As long as she lived, she only knew his father. She did not know about his mother. Dad never told her about her mother. So, she was lazy to ask for it.
The last three years have been years that had an impact on Annabella's life. Her father died due to a hit and run. She lost a place to be loved, lost a place to depend on, and lost the love of a father.
She had to work to make a living. So, he works at Story Cafe. Although her salary was not much she was still grateful that Mr. Kent was willing to take him to work.
"I miss you, dad," Annabella muttered.
She closed her eyes to get rid of the sadness that was beginning to take over. She needs to be strong. Annabella had blown those words at her many times. Tomorrow she has to spend another long day.
She took iPod presented to her in conjunction with her 16th birthday. Earphones are plugged into the ears. She listened to her favorite song until she fell asleep.
***
A magnificent building collapsed in the blink of an eye as a rain of fireballs fell from the sky. People who did not have time to save themselves were killed due to the collapse of buildings and also died due to burns.
Screams, roars, and cries were heard from various directions. The red liquid wetting the soil is everywhere.
Annabella stiffened at the sight of the horrible sight before her eyes. Fingers pinch her cheeks to make sure that this is all just a dream. But her cheeks throbbed with pain yet she refused to accept this statement.
No! This is just a dream!
Humans run away when their homes are invaded by the ugly creatures. The child who did not manage to escape was caught and his head was eaten by the creature causing blood to gush out.
Her legs trembled in fear at the sight of the situation. The creature looked at her with his mouth wet with blood. The lifeless body of the child was thrown to the ground.
Her steps receded backward as the creature approached her. Unfortunately, her leg tripped over a rock, causing her to lose her balance. The creature approached her with its tongue sticking out.
Annabella tried to shuffle backward by pushing the ground with the heels of her feet. Her body was already trembling with fear her heart beating fast.
The creature tries to pounce on Annabella but then appears a man in an iron suit splits the ugly beast into using his sword.
Annabella's eyes widened at the action. What surprised her was the sword held by the man as if on fire by golden yellow fire.
The man looked back. Annabella was shocked to see her father standing in front of her. The corners of her eyes filled with tears as she was able to meet her father again.
"Dad…" exclaimed Annabella in a trembling voice.
"Don't be afraid, my dear. Your dad is a brave knight, "said his father with a smile.
"I miss you… I miss you so much, dad!" said Annabella with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Anna, I have to go. Sylvania is in danger. " Her father steps away.
"Wait, dad! Don't leave me! " cried Annabella with all her might but in vain as her father had already disappeared behind the man who was rescuing himself from the ugly creature.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The sound of flapping wings was heard loudly in the earlobes. Annabella raised her head to the sky. Her iris caught a shadow that was hovering in the air. At that moment, she could see the true appearance of the shadow in the form of a blue dragon.
The dragon flew downwards at high speed towards her. Quickly, she closed her eyes when the dragon seemed to want to devour her.
Kring!
The alarm clock rang loudly causing Annabella to wake up from her long dream. Her eyes darted around her bedroom. It was just a mere sleep toy. At least she could meet her father. Annabella got up to get ready to go to work.