ZEIAH || PRÓLOGO

HAVE you ever felt that you might be different? That, in this world, is not how the way you thought about it. But what if behind this beautiful world that you thought it was, lies the secret that would change your life? 

I am Zeiah, I grew up thinking that everybody around me is ordinary and I am like them, but that's what I thought.

I remembered everything, from the growl of that notorious creature, the slashing of the swords, and the explosion, all of it was clear. I close my eyes, quivering into the ideas which my mind could only bear. How I wish everything were just a nightmare. I let out a deep breath and found myself in the middle of nowhere.

I stop for a moment as I feel so exhausted. My entire body needs to have rest, but my will to move doesn't want me to stop. I can feel the pain from my shoulders down in my hips and unto the sole of my feet. Everything is starting to get numb, and I'm getting out of breath.

Anytime, I can feel that my body will give up. "Come on Zeiah not now, please... You are almost there!" I encouraged myself.

I could feel the sun upon my skin. It's starting to get burnt. I could also feel the dryness inside my throat and the need to drink. As I pushed to drag my feet despite feeling weak, I was able to reach the great walls of the City. I look into the sight in front of me, and I'm thankful that I'm almost there just a little more push.

Dragging myself to move faster as much as I could, but to my disappointment, I stumble into a rock that I'd never notice, causing me to land right into the ground.

My face hit the ground. It was a painful impact. 

"Oh great!" I mumbled to myself. "You're such an unlucky mess, Zeiah!" I added while rolling over to switch positions. 

Now I'm facing the sky. The sun is shining so bright up in the blue ocean sky. I put a hand over my forehead "Nakakasilaw pero maganda at mapayapa."

 All of a sudden, reality hit me. I feel so alone. I'm alone, "Mama..." I murmured. 

My traitor tears escaped my eyes as they ran down my cheeks like a waterfall. I can't make them stop now. 

I can't...

I can feel the need to release them to ease the pain I felt inside. The pain is more painful than what I felt in my tired body. They took my mom away from me, and I was left alone. After a few minutes of crying, I embraced myself and decided to get up.

For now, there's no time for being weak. I need to do the task that my mom told me. So come on, Zeiah! Get up and move!

After a while, I pushed myself up to sit down wiped my tears with my palms. Inhaling and exhaling, pushing myself up from the ground and started to walk. I need to reach the gate before sunset. And with all the will that I still have, I move and walk faster than I could ignore all the pain, the hunger, and the thirst.

That's it, Zeiah! Don't stop and keep on moving. You can make it! You're almost there!

Keep on walking under the sun with undeniable pain and a weak body, it feels like an endless journey, and I have to endure it. 

I had a choice to give up or keep on moving, and I chose the latter. Finally, I reach the gate with its walls that are so great, tall, and mighty.

Pat yourself, Zeiah! Good job! You did it!

I paused and smiled bitterly when suddenly every single thing turned dark. I feel nothing, completely nothing.

What's happening? What's wrong with me? I can't breathe, Mama!