The sun was shining bright and birds were chirping. Nalani was wearing a blue jeans with a brown blouse and a white shawl covering her shoulders. Her lush black hair was tied up in a high ponytail. While holding Davian's hand tightly, her eyes darted around her surrounding with a weary gaze.
"Darling,are you sure about where you're taking me?" Nalani asked, her expression filled with worry.
All surrounding them are green leaves and tall trees.
The previous night, Davian decided that they're going to this small town for a few days of vacation but the place was quite isolated and filled with indigenous inhabitants.
She was skeptical about going on this thrill seeking trip but Davian convinced her to trust him and that everything was under his control. She believes in him so she agreed. They had to ride a boat on a vast lake to that place and once they arrived, they followed the tour guide to trudged through this forest to get to that village.
Davian stopped, held her face in his hands and pecked her pouted lips before looking lovingly into her eyes and spoke,"Don't be afraid. I'm here for you. Nothing bad will happen to you. I promise".
Gazing into his reassuring eyes, Nalani smiled back and nodded. Holding hands together, they continued forward, teasing each other and laughing. Just then, Nalani heard the cries of a child nearby.
Worried, she forced Davian to go with her so they can check out what happened. Unable to convince her otherwise, Davian agreed and they traced the voice down the dense trees to find a little girl sitting down alone and crying. She was a delicate but undernourished girl, no less than three or four years old and her clothes were all dirtied with her hair tied into two cute pigtails. Her eyes were red from shedding too much tears and snots were running down her face.
Worried, Nalani quickly rushed to her aid, helping her up and asking if she was lost. Davian handed her a handkerchief which she used to gently wiped her face and hands.
"Baby girl, what are you doing here all alone" She asked, raised her head to look around to check if someone else was in the vicinity but there was nobody other than them.
"Little girl where's your mommy?" the tour guide man asked, his expression anxious. They looked at the little girl expectantly but she said nothing and continued to whimper.
"I think she's from the village. Let's take her to the village and ask for her parents" Davian suggested.
They nodded.
Nalani carried the child in her arms who quickly wrapped her arms around her neck and laid her head on her shoulder. She didn't seem the least bit afraid of strangers.
"Little girl, do you know the way to your house" the tour guide man asked again. This time, the girl pointed out a direction so they decided to take her home. Seeing Nalani struggling to carry the child, Davian took her and carried her in his strong arms instead.
Meanwhile, a heavily pregnant lady was being forced into labor by two women, one middle aged and the other, an old whited-haired woman. The pregnant woman's hands were tied up to the bed post and her legs were spread wide open and held down by the middle aged woman. She struggled futilely to break free, her eyes filled with despair and desperation.
''Mother-in-law, please don't do this to me. I'm begging you to spare my son. He's your grandson''. She pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
The white-haired old woman looked coldly at her, her expression filled with contempt,'' You're a jinx. You dared to curse my grandson to death. You want to end my family bloodline but l won't let you. That evil seed in your belly is going to save my grandson''. Her ferocious eyes stared at her protruding belly with vicious intent. Holding a bowl of dark concoction, she menacingly approached the pregnant woman who stared warily at her, shaking her head and begging her to stop. ''This medicine is labor inducing. In a few minutes, you'll give birth'', She said. Then with a strong grip, she held the jaws of the pregnant woman, forced opened her mouth and poured the black concoction down her throat with brute force. She struggled, trying not to swallow but it was futile. She choked, coughing hard.
''No please, l can't give birth now. It's not yet time for my baby to be born ''She pleaded softly.
''Somebody help me!. Please help me!!. Help me!!!''
She screamed with all her strength, hoping for a savior. The two women sneered and laughed.
''No one is coming to save you. Not your mother or anyone else''. Once the labor pains kicked in, she had no choice but to push while fervently praying for a savior.
When Nalani and Davian along with the tour guide finally arrived at the destination and got to the little girl's house, they realized it was a dilapidated old house which was in a bad condition and was situated at the foot of the village. The surroundings were very quiet so Nalani tentatively called out for someone but there was no respond. The little girl struggled to break free from Davian's embrace so he gently put her down and as soon as her tiny feet touched the ground, she quickly started running to her house. knocking on the locked door. Seeing her action, they decided to go follow her and knocked on the door for a while but there was no respond. Thinking that no one was at home, they felt conflicted about what to do with the little girl and finally decided to take her to the village police station. Just as they were about to leave, a loud shrill rang out, startling them.
''Someone is inside'' Nalani said, puzzled.
''Mommy....mommy...mommy'' the little girl cried out, banging at the door with her tiny hands. They banged on the door for a while but there was still no response.
''I think the person inside needs help. Let's break down the door.'' Nalani said anxiously. Davian nodded and with a strong kick, the door opened. They rushed inside but were left dumbfounded by the scene that greeted them. Their eyes widened in shock. What in the devil's name is happening.
The two women who were busy delivery the pregnant woman were startled at the sudden intrusion. Looking at the three strangers that has barged inside, their expression turned ferocious.
''Who are you people and what are you doing here? Quickly get lost and don't ruin our business'' the whited-haired old woman scolded them, bearing her teeth at them.
Panting and out of breath, the pregnant woman turned to the people who had entered and pleaded with the little strength she has left, ''Please save my son. Don't let them harm my baby.''