CHAPTER 1.

" For the villains who were once a hero."

The cold breeze engulfs her and compels her to close her eyes even though it doesn't matter. Her open eyes or close, they only show darkness.

Her face felt the cold winds hitting her cheeks softly. It was a relief and blessing at least she could feel it. The beauty of the town was on the point of termination but for her, it was still beautiful because she only felt with her heart. Her Allah had given her enough power to feel what winter feels like and she was blessed and thankful.

So what if she can't see? Sometimes the colors of the world become dull, not feelings.

She heard small approaching steps, and a smile droned to her lips. " Did you find it? " She asked with her big eyes filled with curiosity and excitement.

" Yeah! Yeah! Here is your snowdrop. " She felt someone bring her hand forth and made her hold a few sticks which felt fresh and slightly wet. Her smile widened and she leaned it closer to her nose. A sweet and relieving scent passed through her whole body after nostrils.

She loves it.

Flowers are something you don't need to see but their scent is enough to make you wonder how beautiful they're.

" See, I give you your favorite flowers now, where are my cookies? " She heard her say, indeed with a big pout. She felt warmth with her love towards the cookies she baked.

She looked pointless up with her blind eyes as her hands went into the bag she always carries. A leather bag with a brownish shade, hanging on her one shoulder. Her hands tried to find the small wooden box and finally, her hands caught the hard wooden box. She grinned, and her white teeth came into the display.

" Here. " She forwarded it, turning her face a little right to left. Trying to get an idea where her best friend was standing, a hand that seemed cold came and grabbed the box.

" Are you giving me the whole box? " She heard her screaming in excitement like a kid who got her favorite cookies. It was the same with her best friend, through.

She nodded with a cordial smile but her brown eyes widened when a sudden hug made her stumble back. " Thank you, thank you, thank you. " More than twice she heard her shouting those words in glee. She let out a small laugh.

" You helped me too, thanks for the flower. " She broke the hug and leaned the flower closer to her nose. Sniffing it.

" Never mind, giving you flowers isn't as hardworking as baking cookies. You know, I'm horrible when it comes to cooking. " She heard her dramatic tone.

" I had an idea, but baking cookies isn't difficult though, Amy. " She fixed her hijab as it was shifting backward even though it didn't budge since the morning.

" Hmm. You're saying that because you're good at cooking. " She heard her complaining and before she could reply, shouting was heard by them.

" Dianna. " The shouting was firm and clear, they both smiled. Another shouting echoed. " Amy. "

" Should we hide or tell him? " She heard Amy say in a naughty tone.

" Are you in the mood to play? " She asked with small giggles and held her mouth.

" I'm always in the mood to play. Sweetheart. Let's go. " They both giggled and Amy helped her to hide behind the huge tree. " I'm going to hide in the direction of three clocks. " Amy informed me but didn't wait for the reply and ran to the other side. She heard another shouting with a huffing sound.

" C'mon, are you two hiding? It's a crime to play with a cop. " She put her palm on her mouth, to stop her laughs. He was huffing as climbing into the valley. She heard him coming from the left huffing loudly, indeed his stamina has dried up by now.

She shifted a little to not make any mistakes and ended up caught by the cop.

" What are we, eight? " He sighed, looking around the thick crowd of woods. Suddenly, his eyes catch a glimpse of cloth. A smirk droned to his lips and he walked away from her side.

She didn't hear him coming, a relieved breath left her breath. He went to another side and got the idea of Amy's hidden place. She grinned and put her foot back to back off but a stone came her way. She stumbled with a small scream. Her blind eyes couldn't see anything but she found herself rolling on the ground grass. She thought it was her end, she was going back to Allah but a hand grabbed her waist, prevented her from taking several more spins, and ended up on the small cliff.

She was breathing heavily, her forehead was sweaty and her cheeks were red. Her hijab was no longer on her head, slightly hanging on her shoulder and chest. Her hair was free from the cloth and excited to breathe in the fresh air. They scattered when the wind passed through her body and she shivered.

Her trembling hand held the firm arm which was still around her back. She couldn't see his face but knew the position was unacceptable. She sat up on the ground gulping hard and lightly pushed the hand away. She knew it wasn't Zain.

" Do you wanna die here? " She heard a raspy and cold tone. Her breaths hitch in her throat at the same time she felt a heated gaze on her body. Reality hit her hard and she finally came out of the shock.

Her hijab.

Trembling like a leaf she fossicked the hijab on her chest and hurriedly wrapped herself not neatly but enough to prevent his eyes on her modesty. She was red, and could feel the heat burning her cheeks in shame.

" I'm sorry for causing you trouble. Sir. " She didn't even know who he was, and talking here in the valley alone was like throwing a slice of meat to a dog asking to come and bite.

She hurriedly stood up on her numb legs but carefully. The grass and ground seem wet with the winter atmosphere. " And thank you for saving me. " She tried to get a clue where he was standing so she could make a decent distance.

" Feel sorry for yourself. It's not good for blind people to roam the valley, especially this valley where all turns have cliffs and sharp stones. Feel free to take my advice and stay at your place until your friends come. " She furrowed at his harsh words and cold tone.

" Idiot. " That was the last word she heard him murmuring and then heard footsteps. She kept her face in the direction where he vanished even though it was pointless with her colorless eyes.

" Dianna. " She heard Zain call her name then Amy too.

" Here. " She waved her hand with her eyes up here and there. Not knowing where she was standing and where they were coming from.

" Oh! My God. Dianna. Don't move, I'm coming. " She heard Zain panic. She was confused, not knowing what was the matter. " Careful, hold my hand. Your left side. Up. Up. Higher. " She located the direction where he informed and heard his voice coming from. She held his hand and was pulled up from the place.

" Oh! God. I'm sorry, I should have noticed the cliff. You were standing on the almost end. Dianna. " She was breathing heavily in an attempt to climb up but hearing that her mind was frozen. One thing that was crossing her mind was, did he leave her there on her own without even giving her a clue, any time the ground under her feet would be gone if she took more couple steps back.

A pure shiver ran down her spine and her hands started to get sweaty.

" Alhamdulillah, you're fine. " She hears Zain draw a long relief breath. " What do you think you were doing Amy? By the way, I know the whole crap was your idea. Use your brain, we're not kids. She can't see you shouldn't....."

" I'm sorry. " Amy lowered her head with a big pout, Zain only shook his head in disbelief. " Come, Dianna, it's almost time for Azan. We need to rush or else it'll be late for Asr prayer. ( Asr namaz. ) " She nodded, wrapping her head more neatly and carefully. Zain had already looked away to give her privacy. He was in his uniform and Amy was in her casual clothes, in jeans and a top, unlike Dianna who was wearing baggy clothes along with a wide and long hijab.

" Zain, did you hear the announcement about the art gallery? " Amy started twisting her fingers and wrapped her hair strand around it with a wide grin.

" I'm not interested. " Zain pulled his hands back in surrender but Dianna's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity. Zain peeks an eye at her but quickly looks away because she wasn't done with her hijab.

" What's the announcement for? Is it going to open soon? When will the owner let us in? I wanna see...." She chuckled at her silliness and added. " I mean, I wanna go inside the art gallery. " Zain let out a disappointed breath when heard her excitement about the gallery. She couldn't see it and still was hoping to visit. At least she was happy.

" Don't know yet but I heard the owner finally come to town this morning. I even heard from everyone, he's handsome. " Dianna's smile dropped because it wasn't interesting if Amy was about to blurt only about the owner's beauty.

She was no longer interested to hear her but kept her mind on her, unwillingly. Amy and her craze for handsome guys.

" For Allah's sake, stop it already. It's kind of odd to listen to your craze over the man you didn't even meet. " He rolled his eyes and they landed on Dianna who was in her thoughts.

" Dianna, let's go before my senior rips my head off. I need to go back on duty too after prayer ( namaz ). " She eagerly nodded, walking along with them, carefully.

On the whole damn way, Amy didn't stop talking about the unknown man who owned most of the land of the town including the gallery. She was still holding the box Dianna gave her as a return gift of the flowers. Other hand Dianna was upset because after falling she had no idea about herself, where they fell was a mystery now.

" By the way, your mother was asking me about you when I was coming for you two. Amy. " He smiled devilishly and heard her wince. " She wants me to go with her to church. I don't want to. " She pouted, increasing her pace to leave them behind as they were halfway down the street.

They crossed the ally and went to their destination when Zain asked Dianna. " Are you coming for the family dinner? " Her face lost all colors as she drew a long breath. She could feel it, he was walking evenly just to match her steps.

" Zain brother, you know what my answer will be then why you're making it hard for me to say it. I'm not going to them, I respect you and love you as a brother that's why I'm still keeping the thread with you but them...." She swallowed hard, he looked away. " I don't want to see them. Huh? Good thing, I can't see them. But I don't even want to go near them. "

" They're your family, Dianna. It has been years now. Forget everything, let's make a new journey with a new beginning. Hmm? " He murmured but there was no emotion on her face.

" They should have considered it too when I wanted their support. " She drew a long breath and showed her hand into the bag which was dirty now. " Here, I brought for you too. " She handed him the box of cookies. He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes, they were hollow. Knowing how hard it would be for her to be baked when she doesn't even have a single soul in her house for help. It was a gift he never could resist.

" Jazakallah! Jazakallah! May Allah bless you. " He eagerly opened the lid of the box and smiled brightly. They were in perfect shape, like always. They look delicious making his mouth water. He grabbed one and showed it into his mouth. " Hmm! Masha Allah! It's sweet and delicious. I'll hide them so Hadi can't eat them. " She laughed lightly and started walking ahead when they heard Amy shout.

" Are you two coming? " They sighed at Amy who was excited to even cross the street and make a draft to her house.

" We don't have legs like you, ostrich. Slow down. " Zain shouted back, waving at the figure which seemed small due to the distance and slightly inclined street, going up.

They heard her laugh but she kept climbing and jumping on the streets. When they were standing at the junction of the streets he sighed, it was the point where he had to say Allah-hafiz to them.

" Just think about it, more. I'm your cousin, Dianna. It's hard to see you suffering alone in your small house. Come to us when you feel like finishing the agony of the past. Khuda Hafiz. " With that, he took the left turn where his house exists and she kept imagining she was staring at his back.

" Come, sweetheart. Let's go. " She heard Amy say. Her hand was in her grip when Amy exhibited the way to her house. When she comes back to her house, she doesn't need to switch on the lights because they still feel the same.

She carefully detected the way to the kitchen, measured how many steps she took, and smiled when her hand held the refrigerator's door.

She grabbed a bottle of water and poured herself a glass carefully. It was almost time for Asr's prayer. She quickly but cautiously went to her bathroom and did wudu. She came out with the help of the stick she used merely, for the hint of what was coming on her way. She placed the prayer mat ( Janamaz ) on the floor and stood on it.

She did Asr prayer and made a Dua to her Allah. She wrapped the prayer mat ( Janamaz ) neatly and rested it in its place. Again her mind went toward the family dinner Zain mentioned. It was Crystal clear she wasn't going there in that house which refused to accept her.

Her past was beautiful as much as it was painful. It has been 10 years since she refused to accept her family when they did the same. Ditching her out of their life but taking her happiness.

Her life wasn't beautiful before but one day she found a ray glinting in her eyes. It was the time when the whole town had the beauty of green. Flowers and plants were growing healthily. It was the time when her life took a turn, sweet yet bitter turn.

She was sitting at her window feeling the heat of sun rays falling on her face. She had no object to let the bright rays burn her white skin because it doesn't matter. She heard a car horn and a small cracking sound of tires. She was curious to know who arrived as it seems, the car stopped in front of their house. She heard small murmurs and shuffling sounds like two people, a woman, and a man talking about something. She leaned on the window more, practically hovering herself out the window to listen to the bickering- if it was. Suddenly, she felt a heated gaze over her. Her cheeks brighten with that strange feeling. She hid behind the window panel.

" Eden. Come here boy, help your mother to carry those boxes. What are you doing there? " She heard a manly voice call out to someone and that gaze broke.

" Coming, Dad. " Another voice but it was soft and not that high pitched as his father. It seems oddly sweet for her. She heard someone running outside and then the shuffling was getting louder and the woman's voice for the warning was loud enough to hear.

" Careful, Eden. Make sure you don't break my expensive showpiece. " She backed off finally understanding who they were. She heard her mother saying, the landlord had given the front house for rent. A family was going to live in front of her house. The house was abandoned but surprisingly was in good shape as far as she heard her family discuss but unfortunately couldn't see it.

She was still peeking out of her window just to feel the rays of the sun when heard her mother calling. " Dianna, come downstairs. I need your help. " She called her out.*

" Coming, Mama-Jan. " She left her room with the white stick and climbed down the stairs carefully.

" Dianna, my girl. How is your school going? " She heard her father ask as soon as she was in front of him. She wanted to cross the small hall in a hurry just to avoid her father. But it seems tough now.

" It's going well, Baba-Jan. " She gulped while waiting for him to say something.

" Good, make me proud of yourself. I know it's difficult for you to live in this state but I'm hoping you will be responsible and well. " ' This state, ' was the word to make her remember she was blind but it doesn't matter because it was true, still hoping her father doesn't pity her or himself for coming into this world with ' this state.'

" I won't disappoint you. " That same line she used since she started to get uncomfortable with her ' this state.' I disappoint you for coming into this world with blind eyes but I won't disappoint you more. That was the mantra she kept repeating in her mind, she can't disappoint her parents.

" I hope so. " She heard her father speak but her tone was unbothered and unconcerned. She was about to go when heard her brother's cheerful voice.

" As-salamu Alaykum! Baba-Jan. " He surely had come after his morning outing. It was usual now, he used to go out more and stay less in the house but Baba-Jan never objected.

" Wa alaykumu s-salam! My boy. " She didn't wait for the sweet talks of father and son because she always felt jealous. She entered the kitchen and was about to bump into someone. but the person quickly made up before he could meet his forehead with hers.

" Oh! Girl, what are you doing here? " She got the idea who was about to bump into her.

" For what else, brother? I'm here to help Mama-Jan. Back off from my way, Zain brother. " She tried to locate his face pointlessly. She was wearing her hijab in an attempt to hide her modesty and hair, her chest was covered too. In his eyes, she was looking fragile, glowing in her hijab. If she could see then surely got shy with his cordial smile yet he was furrowing.

" Auntie asked you for help? " She could feel his voice suppressed when he walked further into the kitchen. " Auntie, do you need help? " She let go of her breath in frustration because it was usual. " You have Mama-Jan for help, is it important to drag Dianna into the kitchen? It's so hot here. " He said, dramatically fanning his face with his palms.

" My boy! It isn't about the help, she needs to do the chaos and take responsibility for the kitchen. " Her mother said softly. " Your sister's wise Alhamdulillah! But it's not good enough. "

" Sister, don't say anything about my girl. She's good at everything. Zain is worried for her and we all know how fragile she's to him.” Zain's mother said in a teasing tone and found Zain too red.

" Whatever. I'm taking her out for a walk. You two seem comfortable cooking without her. " She started to panic but Zain was already out of the kitchen ordering her firmly. " Come out, Dianna. Let's go. "

" Mama-Jan? " She faced her mother and heard her mother's sigh and Auntie's soft laughs.

" Go. I'll handle everything, he's still the same with his over-concerns. " She grinned and left the kitchen but heard her auntie whisper. " I'm starting to see her as my son's future. Already. Don't you think, Sister?" She didn't hear further because she was already out of the kitchen even, she was crossing the hall when heard her father ask.

" Where are you going? " It was a firm and strict voice making her legs numb. She swallowed first.

" Zain brother was taking me out for a walk. " She whispered and lowered her head.

" Oh! Ok! Go then. " He never denied anything when it came to Zain. Zain was his favorite of all children. She smiled and measured the length of the room, finally reaching for the door.

She left but not before checking her hijab.

If she could see then surely had seen how Zain smiled when she approached him in the yard. " Where are we going, brother? " She asked me to take careful steps with the help of her stick.

" Hmmm? I didn't think about it yet. Where do you want to go by the way? " He asked standing close enough to help her if she stumbled far enough to maintain a decent distance.

" Can we go towards the park? We can't go far more than that because we'll be late for dinner. " She said and imagined him nodding. They were walking slowly but he was trying to match her steps, it was hard for her to even take steps before stumbling.

" So, what's your plan after high school? " He asked to prevent his hands from holding her so she could walk easily.

" Don't know, I wanted to be a painter but I can't. You already know why but I'll still focus on the arts. " He smiled proudly but his eyes were sad for her, who wasn't upset by mentioning her abnormal state.

" Just do what makes you feel good. " He said the same line she usually hears from him. It was good to have someone who just prefers your happiness more than people's thoughts.

" What do you want to do in your life, Zain brother? " She asked in her small voice and heard him taking deep breaths.

" I want to be the town's chief officer. " She widens her eyes in surprise yet is happy to hear him.

" Masha Allah! May Allah fulfill your all legitimate Dua ( Wishes ). " She said, happily and giggled.

" Subhan-Allah! " He murmured under his breath when saw her glowing face with a bright smile. They were still talking when his eyes caught a glimpse of the ice cream van. It was going on the other street.

" Hey! Stay here. Let me bring ice cream for you. " With that, he made a run towards the street where he took a glimpse of the van.

She sighed not even could deny him because he left before hearing.

She was standing on the footpath holding her white stick. She was standing there in peace. Her hand went to her head just in case the hijab slightly leaned backward.

" Hello! " She heard a small but soft voice taking her attention.

She had no idea how much time passed just sitting there on the chair, her hands chopping the vegetables evenly. She felt pain in her finger realizing her finger got a cut because of her distraction.

She was still thinking about the family dinner but after remembering those old days and him. Her heart filled with bitterness. She rested the vegetables back on the table. It was already time for Maghrib Prayer.

She stood from her place praying, clearly knowing, not even in a million ways she's gonna visit that home again when they took everything from her, so now she had nothing left for them too.

This life is all about good and bad deeds. May Allah give her patience to stay on her path, she was walking all alone.