Layla's POV
As I slowly emerged from slumber, the warm sunlight streaming through my window gently coaxed me to open my eyes.
With a soft yawn, I stretched my limbs, feeling the morning light dance across my skin.
I inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air that wafted through the open window, carrying the sweet scent of a new day.
I rose from bed and made my way to the kitchen, where the familiar sight of my mother greeted me.
"Good morning, Ma," I said, my voice still husky with sleep.
She responded with a gentle hum, her attention focused intently on the sizzling pan, as the savory aroma of her cooking wafted through the air, teasing my senses.
It smells a lot like potatoes, perhaps some boiled or mashed, or even a hearty potato soup.
Plucking an apple from the bowl on the worn counter, I withdrew to my sanctuary, intent on starting my day.
As I entered my room, I slid open my wardrobe, and the familiar creaking sound welcomed me.
My fingers traced the contours of the familiar fabrics, feeling the comforting texture of each garment.
I opted for my trusty ensemble: a flowy pair of Palazzo pants, a fitted sleeveless top, and a cozy long-sleeved jacket.
After freshening up, I slipped into my clothes, completing my dressing with a pair of well-worn boots that felt like an old hug.
Then, I made my way to the living room, ready to start my day with a nourishing breakfast.
My mother had already set my breakfast on our small wooden table, her thoughtfulness warming my heart.
I settled into the creaking wooden chair, feeling grateful and content, and savored each bite of the delicious freshly baked bread she had prepared.
I washed it down with a sip of hot cocoa, the rich flavors dancing on my tongue.
Just as I was savoring the moment, a sudden knock on the door broke the tranquility.
"Knock knock knock!" The abrupt interruption stopped me in my tracks.
I set my breakfast aside and made my way to answer the door, wondering who could be visiting.
As I opened the door, I wasn't surprised to see Mariam, my neighbor and close friend, standing on the doorstep.
She was dressed in her signature flowy gown, her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, and her face radiating excitement.
"Hey Layla, guess what?!" Mariam exclaimed.
"What is it?" I asked, eager to hear the news.
"I just spotted a boat out at sea, heading towards the village."
My eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected revelation.
Without hesitation, I turned back towards the kitchen where my mother was still busy with something.
"Ma, I'll be out for a moment,"
She nodded understandingly. "Okay dear, take care," she replied.
I swiftly exited the house, closing the door behind me with a soft click.
With Mariam leading the way, I trailed closely as we hastened towards the shore, where a cluster of my friends had already congregated.
"You mentioned seeing a boat headed this way, right?" I asked, my gaze scanning the horizon.
Mariam nodded affirmatively, her eyes fixed on the sea. "Hmm, yes!"
As we joined the group, Olivia, Cathy, and Noona, three of my close friends, drew near, worry written on their faces.
Mariam welcomed them with a warm smile.
"Hey, did you guys see the boat earlier today?" Cathy inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I did," Mariam replied. "It was heading towards the village."
"Yeah, I saw it too," Olivia chimed in. "What do we do now?"
I paused, lost in thought for a moment, before speaking with conviction, "We go there."
The four of them turned to me in unison, their eyes wide with suprise.
"Huh?" Noona questioned with a frown.
"Yes, we go there," I reiterated. "If we don't take action now, we may never have a chance to defend ourselves. We can't just sit back and wait for them to attack us again."
"But..." Mariam began.
"We have to do this, Mariam," I said. "We can't remain in fear forever. It's time to take a stand and do what's right."
The group seemed to absorb my words, their eyes darting between each other in a silent exchange.
They knew the risks involved in confronting the unknown, but they also recognized the importance of standing up for what they believed in.
"We'll face whatever challenges lie ahead," I continued, my determination growing.
"We'll see this through, no matter what it takes. We have to destroy that person, no matter what it takes."
"But first, we need to inform our parents and refine our plan," I said, acknowledging the next step.
"Layla, I'm with you on this," Noona declared, her words sparking a thrill of excitement within me.
"But I'm not sure our parents will be on board with us taking on this mission."
"I know," I acknowledged.
"That's exactly why we need to gather them together and make our case," I said.
"The time has come for us to stand up and take control of our own destiny."
"I agree!" Olivia exclaimed, her gaze fixed on some point beyond us.
"I agree too!" Cathy chimed in, her face breaking into a warm smile, which I couldn't help but mirror.
"Me too!" Mariam added, and I found myself smiling even wider.
"Regarding our parents," Cathy said, "I'll make sure to gather them. But when and where should we meet?"
"6 pm today," I decided. "In the meantime, we'll prepare our weapons and gear up for the challenge ahead."
"Affirmative," Cathy responded, making me chuckle.
Just then, Noona's voice boomed, "The time has finally come to avenge our loved ones!" her words echoing through the air.
"We'll show them that we won't be silenced or intimidated!" she declared, her fist clenched in determination.
"Absolutely!" Olivia shouted, her voice ringing out in agreement.
"The time has finally come to avenge the death of our loved ones!" she exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
"yeah!" Jackson responded.
"I agree!" Daniel chimed in, his nodding head emphasizing his support.
"Me too!" Henry added.
"We will avenge the death of our families!" Williams's voice boomed, his words echoing through the air like a battle cry.
A chorus of agreement swept through the crowd, their voices raised in unity.
"Yes, we will!" they shouted in unison.
I couldn't help but smile as I observed those gathered around us, feeling a sense of pride and unity flood through me. Finally, our wait had come to an end.
But then I watched as Mariam broke away from the group, her eyes brimming with tears, and my smile faltered.
I followed her, my heart heavy with concern, as she stopped a short distance from the group and began sobbing, her back to me.
I took a deep breath, my expression softening, and stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
She slowly turned to face me, her face wet with tears, and suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck, weeping uncontrollably.
I remained still for a moment, slightly surprised by her sudden embrace, but then my expression softened into a warm smile as I realized the depth of her emotions.
I hugged her back just as tightly,
My hands patting her back in a gentle, soothing rhythm.
"You don't have to cry, Mariam," I whispered comfortingly.
"Save your tears for when we really need them."
She shook her head, her voice trembling as she replied, "I just can't help it... finally."
After hearing that, I decided it was best to let her have her moment, allowing her to release her emotions.
As long as they were tears of joy, I was willing to let her cry.
My hands continued to stroke her hair and gently tap her back as she shook with sobs, her body trembling repeatedly.
After a few moments, I made my way back home, eager to share the news with my mom. I found her busy slicing vegetables in the living room.
"You're back," she said.
I walked over and sat across from her, taking a deep breath to begin.
"Ma," I started.
She looked up at me, her eyes expectant, her gaze piercing through mine.
I gulped the lump that had formed in my throat, my heart racing with anxiety over how she'd react, but then I finally managed to blurt out the words.
"We'll be heading across the sea this evening," I announced.
Her expression suddenly grew cold, her eyes frosting over like a winter's night.
"We'll finally get to avenge the death of dad," I said, my smile hopeful, but her face remained unmoved, her expression a mask of concern.
"Layla, you can't do that," she said, shaking her head.
My heart sank at her disapproval, feeling like a weight had been dropped into my stomach.
"But ma..."
"I know you really want to avenge your father's death, but you can't go back there, it's too dangerous," she said.
"I know, Ma, that's why we've been preparing for this moment our entire lives," I pleaded.
"So please, Ma, understand."
But she still didn't look approving, her expression unchanging.
"I don't need your approval, Ma," I declared.
"I'll go anyway, even if I'm the only one."
"Layla!" my mother yelled.
But I stood my ground. "You're not going to change my mind, Ma. I've made up my mind."
I took a deep breath and continued, "There's a meeting at 6 pm at the shore. Please be there."
With that, I walked out of the house, leaving no room for further discussion.
As I made my way back to the shore, my mind wandered to the other side. What would it be like? Would we finally achieve our goal after all these years?
Lost in my own thoughts, I was suddenly jolted back to reality by a gentle touch on my shoulder.
I turned to find Jackson standing there, his smile warm and gentle.
"Oh, hey, Jackson," I greeted him with a soft smile.
"Hey," Jackson responded with a grin.
"What's with the gloominess?" he asked, his brows furrowing in concern as he took in my expression.
I sighed, my gaze drifting wistfully towards the sea as my mind wandered back to the weight of my concerns.
"It's nothing," I said.
"What did your mom have to say about it?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"She didn't take the idea too well," Jackson admitted, "but I told her to meet us at 6, so we can try convincing them together."
I nodded thoughtfully, my brow furrowed in concern.
"Hmm," I muttered.
But then Jackson's words cut through my worries like a balm: "It's okay, Layla. Even if they don't agree, I'll always stand by you."
His promise was like a soothing melody to my ears, a reminder that I wasn't alone.
He's always been a true friend, willing to support me through thick and thin.
Before I could respond, Jackson enveloped me in a warm, comforting embrace.
Time seemed to stand still as I melted into his arms, feeling a sense of security and calmness.
For a brief, blissful moment, my worries and concerns faded away, replaced by a deep sense of connection and understanding.
He finally pulled away, his hands gently patting my hair.
"See you," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing on the shore, my heart feeling a little lighter, my spirit a little brighter.
...
It was already six o'clock in the evening, and my friends and I had gathered on the shore, the stools and benches arranged before us.
As the parents began to arrive, their worried faces and murmured conversations filled the air.
And among the sea of faces, I spotted my mother, her smile strained, her eyes searching for me.
Her approval would bring me great happiness, but I knew she wasn't easily won over.
Just then, Mariam stepped forward, her confident stride carrying her to the front of the gathered crowd.
We had chosen her to speak on our behalf because of her captivating beauty and universal appeal, qualities that effortlessly drew people to her.
In contrast, I had always felt like an outsider, struggling to find my place.
As Mariam stood tall, her presence commanding attention, I couldn't help but admire her striking profile as she began to speak.
"Good evening, everyone," Mariam began, her voice clear and strong.
"I appreciate your presence here tonight, and I'm aware that you all understand the purpose of this gathering."
"We do," the crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with sadness and concern.
Mariam's gaze swept across the crowd before she continued.
"We've all grown up now, and the time has come for us to put our selfless training into practice," she said.
"I know that the journey ahead will be fraught with challenges, and yes, there will be bloodshed. But I assure you, it will be worth it in the end."
Mariam paused, her gaze sweeping across the hushed yet anxious crowd once more, before she continued.
"We all knew this day would come, so you shouldn't be afraid or worry, for the time has come for us to take this step of vengeance."
William walked to stand beside her. "I don't mind spilling my blood if it means avenging the death of my parents," he declared.
However, the parents didn't look approving. In fact, they seemed skeptical.
"I don't think you all are ready for this," a woman spoke up.
"You're still too young. Give it some time," she urged.
Many parents began murmuring in disagreement, their voices swelling in a chorus of dissent.
"Now's the time," I intervened, my voice slightly trembling with anxiety.
The crowd quieted down, their gazes fixed on me, some with a pinch of resentment, others with curiosity.
I felt a surge of self-consciousness, wondering if my appearance was the cause of their discomfort. Am I that ugly?
I pushed aside my doubts and took a deep breath, stepping forward to stand next to Mariam and William.
"We can't wait any longer," I began, my eyes scanning the crowd, searching for my mom.
I finally found her seated, her brows slightly furrowed in a frown, her expression a mix of concern and disapproval.
I took another deep breath and continued.
"We've seen a glimmer of hope, a chance to reclaim what was taken from us and repay them for what they did to us 10 years ago." I paused, my eyes locking with my mother's, pleading for her understanding.
"Please listen to us," I implored.
"We can't live in fear forever. Give us this chance to make things right, to bring justice to those who have suffered."
I turned to face the crowd, my gaze sweeping across their faces.
"All of you, please. Let us go and avenge their deaths. Now or never. Let us take back our freedom, our dignity, and our lives."
The crowd remained silent, their gazes still fixed on me as if they were absorbing my every word.
Then, a voice broke the silence. "I agree with them!"
My heart leapt with joy as my mom spoke up.
"I agree too," a woman from the crowd chimed in, "but please, you all should come back safe."
I nodded, understanding her concern.
"I can't guarantee that," I responded honestly, "but we will try our best to do so."
The crowd began to nod in agreement, and another woman spoke up.
"Take care of yourselves," she said, already shedding tears.
"We will, ma'am," Mariam replied.
"Thank you all," Jackson added, his voice filled with heartfelt gratitude.
"We're deeply grateful for your support and trust."
The crowd slowly rose, their murmurs swelling into a gentle hum of anxiety and hope.
Parents stood tall with pride, but with a glint of worry in their eyes, as they watched their children prepare to depart.
The young ones, some barely out of childhood and others on the cusp of adulthood, came forth to share one last, lingering embrace with their loved ones before boarding the ship.
I stood by the ship, meticulously ensuring that all preparations were in place before the vessel set sail.
With diligent care, I oversaw the loading of bows and arrows, swords, smoke bombs, and other weapons onto the ship, each one carefully placed and accounted for.
But then, my gaze found my mother, standing at a distance, her eyes shimmering with tears.
My heart swelled with emotion as I rushed over to her, enveloping her in a warm, tight embrace.
"I love you, Mom," I whispered, as she clung onto me, her tears soaking into my shoulder.
"Love you too, dear," she whispered, her voice trembling as she pulled away, holding my face in her hands, her own face wet with tears.
"Take care," she urged, her eyes pleading with me to stay safe.
I nodded, trying to hold back my own tears, but they escaped anyway, streaming down my face.
She embraced me once more, her arms wrapping around me like a warm hug.
As we pulled away, she smiled through her tears and nodded.
"Go now," she said
I nodded slowly, turning to leave, but not before saying, "Goodbye, Ma."
She had her hands covering her mouth, as if to hold back a sob.
"Take care, dear," she said, her voice muffled and trembling.
With a final wave, I ran into the ship alongside my companions, and the vessel set sail.
I found myself standing beside Mariam, her eyes shining with tears.
"Layla, I'm so proud of you," she said.
I smiled gratefully, feeling a lump form in my throat.
"I'm proud of you too," I replied.
We wrapped each other in a tight, lingering hug, holding on to each other as the ship sailed further away from the shore.