I scan the area, looking for whoever just called my name, but I’m alone. Gods above…am I going mad? I press my fingers into my temples when I hear it again.
“Zarla…”
Okay, someone definitely called my name. I walk toward the direction I heard the voice, but I still can’t see anyone.
“Hello? Is someone there?” I nervously ask, but I’m met with silence.
“Zarla…” The voice is alluring, and it captivates me as I continue moving toward it.
I blink, and suddenly I’m somewhere else entirely. My surroundings change before my eyes. I’m in a beautiful meadow, surrounded by colourful flowers growing amongst the tall grass. There are large trees nearby, and I wander toward them when I hear my name being called once more.
“Zarla…”
I follow the voice into the most beautiful forest I have ever seen. Deep greens and lush plant life surround me. I soon arrive at a clearing where a waterfall cascades down a beautiful, shimmering rock face.
The rocks glisten in the sunlight, and then I see her. There’s a woman with golden skin and long blonde waves standing thigh deep in the middle of the waterfall lake. She turns to me, a wide smile spreading across her lips, and I take in a sharp breath.
It’s my mother.
CHAPTER TWENTY
My mouth drops open as I stare at my mother. I don’t dare blink in case she disappears before my eyes. Am I dreaming? Because this can’t be real. My mother’s dead.
She moves through the water, gliding her fingertips across the surface, creating tiny ripples. Her gold gown clings to her thighs, and her long blonde waves hang loose down her front as she steps out of the water and stands on the grassy bank.
I let out a breath as I stare at her. Is this real? Because it sure seems like it.
She looks so much like me.
She lets out a gentle laugh. “It’s real enough.”
I knit my brows together, and then I rush forward and wrap my arms around her, not caring one bit that I’m getting myself soaked. She hugs me, rubbing soothing circles over my back, and I breathe in her scent, which I can only describe as sunshine and lilies.
“Mum?” I say, pulling back to look at her once more.
My vision blurs as I stare at her through teary eyes, and she reaches up to brush them away.
She scans my face as her lips curl into a wide smile. “You are beautiful, my daughter.”
I slowly shake my head. “I don’t understand… Where am I? What is this place?”
Glancing around the beautiful clearing and listening to the sound of water cascading down the rocks is incredibly peaceful.
The water shines like a thousand crystals are sitting on its surface, shimmering beneath the sunlight and reflecting light around the clearing.
My mother brushes her fingers through my hair, stealing my attention. “There are things I cannot tell you. But I am thankful that you are here with me.”
She takes my hand, and the warmth from her touch is clear. Thisisreal. She leads me through the soft green grass and sits down amongst the flowers. I follow, sitting opposite her.
“I am so proud of you, Zarla. I have been watching over you.”
I pick a blade of grass and twist it in my fingers. “I’ve missed you so much. How is this possible?”
She tilts her head, watching me intently as I speak. “I know. I can understand the feeling, for I have felt it too. Deeply.” She glances down as a deep sadness settles over her features.
Fearing this moment could end anytime, I jump in with a question. “Are you really dead? Because you seem very alive right now.”
Her eyes meet mine, and she gives me a sad smile. “That is a subject that I can’t discuss, even if I wanted to.”