The Adventure of Myrr and the Nightingales: 3

Chapter 3

Houle sat at the front door, watching the scenery. The birds were chirping delightfully as it was bright and sunny day. He loved watching birds and smelled the fresh air in the morning and evening. This peacefulness brought him joy and happiness. Somehow, he missed his home.

His wounds were getting better but still he couldn’t move around much. He’s waiting for someone; someone who was very concerned towards him. He didn’t know her but she always told him that he met her before. He couldn’t remember anything except for his name. And he’s been staying in this big house for almost two months since he regained consciousness.

The male doctor usually came twice a week to check on his body and his health. That doctor was funny, he thought. He was talkative and sometimes annoyed him. But he couldn’t care less for everyone that he knew here was very friendly and helpful. Even the master of this big house was nice towards him although he had a very serious face and less talkative.

He heard somebody was calling his name. He knew this voice and that person whom he waited had arrived. She was running happily towards him and this time she brought something in her hand. She always came with her brother and that reminded him of his lost little sister.

“Hello, Houle!” greeted Myrr as she bought some cakes to him.

“Hello, Myrr,” he smiled.

Myrr sat beside him and showed the cake. “Esclice bought a cake. Here, try some,” she held the cake and he took it. “How was it?” asked Myrr as Houle was munching the cake slowly.

“It’s good. I like it,” he replied.

Myrr cheered.

“How’s your wounds?” asked Esclice.

“Getting better,” he said.

Esclicle smiled. “Well, Myrr. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

Then the master of this house appeared and Myrr hugged him. He was her uncle and he’s responsible to take of Myrr and Esclice since their father passed away two years ago.

“Esclice bought a cake, Uncle Shatter. You should try some,” said Myrr and asked him to try the cakes.

“Thank you, Myrr. Let me order tea for you,” said Shatter and told his servant to serve tea.

Shatter is the Chief of Elite Squadron and he’s an influenced man in Soncity, where most the Nightingales lived. Everyone respected him and he’s a good leader. His wife died because of a disease and because he didn’t have children, he adopted Myrr and Esclice to be part of his family.

They had their tea together and Myrr told her story in school to Houle. Houle didn’t talk much but rather listened to Myrr’s story. He remembered when he woke up from unconscious two months ago, Myrr was the first person who talked to him. She was very excited because she had found the man that she met in her dream. It was a dream comes true! But her happiness was crumbling into dust when Houle asked her who she was and where he was at that time.

But Myrr didn’t give up. She took care of him day by day for he was too weak to get up. He was confused when Myrr said that he scribbled the picture on the Scribbling Tree. But he knew that one day he will find who he was and where he came from. And he knew that Myrr will help him to find the answer.

Esclice finished his task early. He went patrolling in the nearest district and took a break at the food stall before going back to his office. After eating, he walked the opposite way to his office because he remembered something. Something that could give him an answer. He went to the Barrack 14 and met Scild, the Weapon Master and Tracker.

“It’s nice to meet you, Esclice. It’s been a while,” he greeted Esclice as Esclice came into his office.

“Am I bothering you, Scild?” asked Esclice and sat on the chair.

“No, not at all. I was feeling bored. My wife took the children for training since they needed to sharpen their skills,” he replied. “How’s Myrr? I heard that the man that you found gained his conscious.”

“She’s doing fine. She’s taking care of him. Besides, she’s having a month break before the entering the third level,” said Esclice. “I’m here to ask you something, about Houle. Myrr told me hundreds time that Houle is the man that she met in her dream. But Houle who appeared two months ago is slightly different from what she had seen before.”

“Different?” Scild was getting interested in what Esclice was telling him.

“In her dream, Houle’s hair was short and he had a weird mark on both of his arms. But there’s no mark on his arms and his hair was longer. But Myrr gave a nice haircut to his hair. She said it’s too messy and boys should have short hair rather than keeping it long. But that’s not the thing I wanted to discuss with you. It’s about the mark. Myrr drew this once and I still keep this drawing,” Esclice pulled out a piece of paper from his robe and showed it to Scild.

Scild looked at the drawing carefully. Myrr’s drawing was very neat and clear. He frowned and put the paper on the table. “I need time to investigate this thing. As a Tracked, I need a lot of details before getting the answer. Can I keep this drawing for a while?” asked Scild.

“Sure. No problem. If there anything you’ve found, just tell me,” said Esclice and stood up. “I need to go back to the office. Uncle Shatter might nag me if I come back late.”

“Shatter is a very punctual person. And strict too. I wonder how your father dealt with him when he was alive,” Scild chuckled.

“Dad was his big brother. He always listened to what Dad told him,” Esclice smiled and excused himself.

Houle watched Myrr playing with the little blue butterflies. Myrr took him for a walk in a wood near Shatter’s house. Houle was getting better and he enjoyed himself walking in a wood. He still tried to remember what had happened in his past but failed. He was quite sad but when he met Myrr, she somehow brought hope to his despair.

Myrr talked about her dream to be an adventurer when she grew up. She told everything to Houle even though he seldom replied to Myrr’s opinion. Myrr enjoyed her daily life talking to Houle. She was sure that one day Houle will get his memory back and remember the time that they met in her dream.

Myrr caught one blue butterfly and brought it to Houle who was sitting under the shady tree. “Isn’t it beautiful?” asked Myrr, showing him the blue butterfly.

“Yes, it is,” replied Houle and looked at the butterfly. “You love butterfly?”

Myrr nodded with a smile on her face. “I like butterflies. One day, I’m going to fly out of this place and travel to other places. I heard from my cousin that there are a lot of interesting places in this world. Maybe we can go together, Houle,” she said cheerfully.

Houle smiled and nodded. “I love travelling too.”

“That’s great! We can be a great team!” cheered Myrr. “Just imagine. Myrr and Houle, the greatest adventurers!” she waved her hand, imagining the two of them travelling together by riding a Gallop.

Houle chuckled and that was the first time he seemed so happy. After a few moments, he walked Myrr back to Shatter’s home where Shatter and Esclice were waiting for them. Myrr waved him goodbye and promised to come again the next day after school. Houle said that he will wait for her at the veranda as usual.

That night, Shatter asked Houle to join him for dinner in the Main Dining Hall. Houle was surprised to see the spacious hall with decorations hanging on the wall. He had never been to this hall before. He never thought that this house was this big. Big dining table stood at the centre of the hall and rows of servants were serving the food. All of them bowed down to Shatter and Houle as they approached the table. Houle couldn’t stop staring at the servants who were more than 20.

Shatter asked him to sit on the chair and the servants poured down the drink in each glass. The servant asked Houle if he wanted another drink but Houle politely refused. He was feeling awkward when the servants bowed to him before leaving. He stared at his meal. He never ate this kind of meal before. And it smells very nice that made his stomach grumbled. Shatter and Houle were having a silence dinner since they didn’t talk much. Shatter wasn’t the person who talked much and he was giving Houle times to adapt to his house and get his memory back.

Myrr, Lach and her two other friends Stuer and Hittan were waiting for their names to be called by their teacher. Today was the day that they’ve been waiting since they had gone through some tests. Myrr clasped her hand and prayed. She hoped that her name will be called because she really wanted to make her brother proud. Her teacher was announcing the names that passed the Elementary Level. Those who passed will be called Junior Nightingales and they will automatically further their study to the Middle Level.

Then Myrr heard that her name has been announced. She cheered as well as her other three friends who also succeed in their Elementary Level. They hugged each other and thanked the teacher. Most of Myrr’s classmates were going to the Middle Level. Myrr received a certificate and her result book. She passed the tests quite well and she could not wait to show this to Esclice.

She ran back home happily and told Esclice about her result. Esclice was very happy for her and he brought her to Shatter’s house. Shatter and Houle congratulated her and Shatter told her to do well in her Middle Level. Shatter threw a party and Myrr invited her friends to come. Lach came with her father, Feoh, the most respected warrior in Soncity. Feoh was also a good friend of Myrr’s late father and Shatter. Stuer and Hittan came with their parents. Myrr and her friends enjoyed the party and they danced together. Myrr also introduced Houle to her friends and they invited Houle to dance but Houle refused. He didn’t know how to dance and Myrr taught him a little bit.

Then, her cousin, Arwe came. He didn’t know that there’s a party at Shatter’s house. Shatter invited Arwe to join them. Arwe congratulated Myrr and gave her a present which was a tunic. Myrr needed to wear tunic if she wanted to be a Nightingale. Myrr was very happy and asked Arwe to dance with her. Arwe danced with her for a few moments and then excused himself to join Esclice.

“I went to your house but no one was around. So I knew that you’re here,” said Arwe, sipping his drinks.

“Myrr got her result and it’s quite good. That’s why we came here to let Uncle Shatter know,” said Esclice. “Anyway, what’s the reason you come here? Just want to meet me or something?”

Arwe took something from his pocket. “We have a mission and we need to report at Chieftan Regnum’s barrack tomorrow.”

Esclice sighed. He knew about the mission since last week during the meeting. It was not like the other mission that he had taken part. This one was very dangerous. He took a glance at Myrr who was playing with her friends. He knew Myrr will be sad if she knew that he had to leave him for few weeks.

The Adventure of Myrr and The Nightingales: 2

Chapter 2

One of her favourite things that she enjoyed in school is music lesson. During the music lesson, Myrr will give full attention and concentration on what her teacher taught in the class. She played flute as well as her friends, Lach and Struer. Her other friend, Hittan played guitar for he said that flute is for the girls. Boys don’t play the flute.

Music is one thing that can heal someone’s soul, that’s what Myrr’s teacher always stated in the class. Myrr loved music. She could listen to any melody without being distracted to her surroundings.

But today, her mind was rather cloudy although she tried to concentrate on the pitching part of her flute. Lucky for her, her teacher and her friends didn’t notice her slight change in the class. It’s about her dream that she had last night.

Flashback.

Myrr walked as she looked around the walls. Pictures scribbled in every corner. She realized that she’s now inside a building. A castle, perhaps. Before, she only dreamt that she’s in the forest. Her dream today was different.

She continued walking, looking at the scribbling. She didn’t know who scribbled on the wall but the drawings were very enchanting. She wished that she could draw like that too. Then, she saw someone was standing in front of her. It was the man whom she always met in her dream; her guardian.

He was facing the wall and Myrr gathered her courage to approach that man. She walked slowly but the man knew her presence. He turned around and smiled and gestured to her to stand by his side.

Myrr stood beside him and saw a huge tree. There’s a scribbled on the bark of the tree.  It’s a picture of a boy, wielding a sword to fight a dragon. Behind that boy stood a little girl wearing a crown on her head. She’s a princess, thought Myrr.

“This is the picture that I drew when I was a kid,” said that man.

“The Scribbling Tree,” Myrr gasped.

“You knew about this tree?” asked that man.

Myrr nodded. “There’s a lot of Scribbling Trees at the Slug Stream,” Myrr replied.

“Good then. If you want to meet me in your world, find this tree with this drawing. I’ll come to you,” said the man.

Before Myrr could ask him more, she heard somebody called her name.

Myrr was not satisfied about her dream. She wanted to ask more about the man but her brother woke her up and she needed to go to school. The music lesson was over and Myrr and her friends shuffled to the Main Classroom. She put the flute in the locker in the Music Class with her name on it. The music lesson will continue tomorrow.

Myrr learned everything about the being that exist in her world. To be a Nightingale, one must know how to fight or how to heal. There are 7 Squadron that one can choose to be when he or she was nominated as the Nightingale. Myrr’s brother, Esclice was one of the Nightingales who had been chosen to the Elite Squadron. Her brother could fight well and for her, her brother was the strongest among the strongest. He performed well in his task although sometimes Myrr had to stay alone in her house.

Today, she learned about the Nightingales enemies. One of them was the Ghoul. Ghouls were lifeless dark creature that eats the Nightingales’ souls to attain immortal life. Ghouls could attack anytime; day or night, but easily being destroyed. But ghouls that eat too many souls will turn into the Phantom. Phantoms had their own body and looked like Nightingales but they had black eyes. Phantoms were dangerous because they used their own weapons. Some called the Phantom as the Fallen Nightingale.

Myrr and her classmates had not been given the weapon yet. They needed to pass the Weapon Art tests to gain a weapon. If they didn’t to be the Fighter, they could be the Healer and they needed to pass Healing tests to be a healer and further their knowledge to the Healing Squadron. Myrr didn’t like healing because she wanted to be like Esclice. She always practiced sword fighting with her brother every evening if Esclice was not busy. Sometimes, she practiced with her uncle.

She could remember all the enemies’ pictures and their characteristics for she had a good memory. She had passed a lot of written tests and quizzes and her teacher realized that Myrr got quite a good talent. She worked hard together with her friends for they wanted to be one of the greatest Nightingales.

Esclice brought Myrr to the field in Slug Stream because he didn’t have anything to do this evening. Myrr told him that she wanted to practice her flute. Myrr always practice her flute in the evening if she didn’t want to practice her sword art. She loved to go to the Slug Stream because the fields were green and very calmed. Her late father often brought her and Esclice here.

Esclice also brought his girlfriend, Pelle to join him and Myrr. Myrr liked Pelle. She’s beautiful and charming. She loved Myrr too since Myrr was small. Myrr always asked Esclice when he will get married with Pelle. Esclice just chuckled and told her the time will come. Myrr always want to have a big sister.

She played to flute and the melody spread to the whole field. Esclice and Pelle loved to hear the melody that came from Myrr’s flute. After nearly an hour, Myrr stopped playing and asked Esclice’s permission to go around the field. She promised not to go very far. She went to the shady trees nearby and those trees were Scribbling Trees. She liked to scribble anything to those trees.

As she was scribbling her picture with Esclice and Pelle in a wedding ceremony, she spotted one picture that she had seen before. She went to the tree and gasped. It was the picture of a boy who wielded a sword to a dragon and behind him stood a girl who wore a crown. It was as same as the picture she saw in her dream! Then she remembered the man in her dream told her.

She touched the drawing and suddenly the bushes nearby rustled. She nearly jumped and looked at the rustling bushes. Out of the blue, three Ghouls appeared in front of her. She screamed in fright. Esclice and Pelle heard her scream and scrambled to where she’s been. The Ghouls chased Myrr and one of them caught her feet. Myrr stumbled to the ground. Then, she saw a leech twinkled near her and caught it. In Slug Stream there were a lot of twinkling leeches and these leeches were magical. They could be used in medical class and they could also be poisonous.

The one that Myrr caught was poisonous. She twisted her body and threw the leech right into the Ghoul’s face. The Ghoul howled and she was free. As she tried to get up, another Ghoul appeared. She couldn’t do anything but screamed. Esclice and Pelle arrived and before both of them took action, another person appeared and hit the Ghoul. Then he killed another Ghoul with his bare hand.

Pelle helped Myrr to stand. Esclice came to her and asked her whether she’s hurt somewhere. But the three of them were shocked as the man turned to them. His hair was long and rebellious and his clothes were torn. He had a weird, glowing mark on his forehead. Myrr recognised who he was and before she could ask him, he fainted and fell to the ground.  

The Adventure of Myrr and The Nightingales

Chapter 1

“It’s perfect!”

Myrr raised the drawing. She was drawing the picture for 5 days. She stared at the picture, feeling satisfied of her great work. Myrr loved drawing and she could draw almost everything. She kept all her drawings in one box and she loved all her drawings. But this picture was very special from other drawings that she drew since she was small. This picture had its own meaning.

She put it on the table and searched for a suitable frame. She opened her cupboard and found one frame that she had kept for this special picture. She gently put her precious picture in the frame and put it on her study table.

She couldn’t help staring at her new, special drawing. She finally drew the picture of a man whom she met in her dream. A man with a scarlet hair. His face was still vivid and his voice was still shrouding inside her mind. She was sure that she will meet this man one day. Because this man had promised her something. And she will wait for the moment.

“Myrr, lunch is ready!”

She heard her brother, Esclice was calling for her. She went outside of her room and shuffled downstairs.

She only lived with her brother in this small house since their parents died. Her mother died when she gave birth to her. Her father died two years ago in a war. And now, her brother was the one who took care of her. She knew Esclice worked hard to earn their living and that’s why she promised herself to study hard and made her brother proud of her.

She sat on the table as her brother had served the food. Then, someone knocked on the door. Esclice asked her to get the door for he invited his best friend to come over. Myrr rushed to the door and opened it.

“Hello, Myrr! It’s been a while!” A girl with short ink-blue hair stood in front of door and hugged Myrr.

Myrr hugged her back excitedly. “Reles! I miss you!”

“And I miss you too, my sweet little Myrr!”

“Oh, please come in. Esclice cooked something special for us today,” Myrr ushered Reles to the dining room where Esclicle was waiting for them.

Esclice greeted her and asked about her duty. Reles was on duty for one week and that’s why he invited her for lunch. They have been a good friend since they were 4. And a year after that, Reles introduced him to her good friend and they fell in love with each other when they turned 16.

Esclice’s special person was on duty and he’s been longing to meet her for he was in other squadron. Myrr and Reles had a quite chat. Myrr had been offered to join the School of Nightingales as she passed her test with good result. Esclice was proud of her and always encouraged her to do her best.

Myrr shared her story about her dream with Esclice. Her brother was the person whom she can share anything with. Esclice listened to her story until the end.

“So, what do you think, Esclice?” asked Myrr as she ended her story.

“Hmm...I don’t know, Myrr,” he patted her head gently. “To have the same dream for more than one week is really something.”

Myrr stared at her brother. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”

Esclice sighed. “Maybe we should consult to someone who knows about interpreting dreams.”

Then, Esclice remembered the Healing Squadron. Those who were chosen to the Healing Squadron has specialty in determining diseases as well as interpreting dreams besides being a doctor. And he knew that person could help Myrr to find the answer.

Esclice and Myrr were waiting at the guest lounge. Esclice’s girlfriend was on duty and he didn’t want to bother her with her work. Then, a tall, slender woman with orchid-pink braided hair greeted them. Esclice and Myrr bowed slightly for she was the Head of the Healing Squadron.

She invited them to her office and Myrr told her story. This was the first time she told someone about her dreams besides Esclice. She listened patiently to every single details from Myrr’s story.

“So, what do you think, Miss Heilen?” asked Esclice.

“Well, she’s been seeing this dream for more than a week. And I think it’s not just a dream. It’s a sign,” answered Heilen in a quite serious tone.

Myrr and Esclice exchanged glance with each other. They knew that the sign has its own secret to be revealed.

The Adventure of Myrr and The Nightingales

Prologue

She walked through the forest and it was dark. No sound was heard except her own footsteps. The ground crunched as she stepped on the dried leaves and sticks. Her feet didn’t seem to be hurt as she was barefooted. She stopped as she heard something from her right. Another footstep. And it became closer and closer.

She clutched her light blue pyjama; she always did that when she’s scared. Her feet became numb as she saw a shadow approaching. A big monster was shrouding inside her mind. She was sweating hard. She wanted to call for help but her voice won’t come out. She’s now in a grave danger!

The shadow crept slowly towards her like an evil lurked in the shadow. She tried to close her eyes when suddenly the shadow called her name. She gasped and looked up to that shadow. It wasn’t a monster, instead it was a man. A tall man with scarlet hair. He was half naked with weird marks on both of his arms. He wore red necklace; the necklace had three fangs on the front.

He squatted with one knee and slightly bowed to her. She was utterly shocked. That man gave out his hand for her to hold it. She held his hand hesitatingly but alas she felt calm as the man smiled and squeezed her hand a little.

“From now on, I shall be your guardian.”

On Hiatus

Hello everyone....

First of all, I'm sorry for not updating my blog for ages. I've been busy lately and I have problems with the Internet connection.

Second, I don't think I can continue writing Broken Wings since I'm totally out of ideas. But...I have written a new story and I'm going to post it as soon as possible. Please wait (>.<)

Third, I really miss my blog pals!

Broken Wings: 11

Chapter 11

Aunt Nazatul sobbed harder as she finished telling the hurtful truth. I couldn’t bear watching her sad so shifted near her and hugged her tight. I could feel what she felt after all he went through. She really loves my mom so much.

As I was hugging her, my tears couldn’t stop flowing. Now that I learn the truth, I think what I need to do know is praying for my mom’s health. I need to get healthy fast since I am not feeling well since this evening.

Aunt Nazatul wiped her tears, saying sorry for disturbing me. I console her by saying it is okay to cry. I can be her shoulder to cry on. She excused herself after that for it was nearly midnight. I watched her leaving my room and I sighed heavily. When I’m completely healed, I need to do something important. I need to find my biological uncle, Uncle Azlan.

***

1981

Kalsom opened her bedroom window and feel the cool breeze of air. She could see the glimmering sea from her window. She smiled as the sun shining magnificently above her. Then she woke Merdu who was still having her wonderful dream.

“Wake up, Merdu. It’s nearly noon,” Kalsom shook her twin’s arm gently.

Merdu stirred and rubbed her sleepy eyes. “What time is it?” her voice croaked.

“10.15. A maiden shouldn’t wake up late, you know,” Kalsom giggled as she loved teasing Merdu.

Merdu slowly get up from bed and she threw her blanket playfully to Kalsom. Both of them laughed and Merdu grabbed her towel and went to the bathroom. Kalsom made Merdu’s bed and waited for her in the living room.

Both of them furthered their study in MARA Institute of Technology in Terengganu. It was located near the beach and both Kalsom and Merdu loved being here. They stayed in a wooden-like-house hostel which consisted of 15 students. Her housemates hailed from other states and all of them were very friendly and some were close to Kalsom and Merdu.

Merdu and Kalsom went to the library since it was weekend. They loved going to the library especially Kalsom for she loved reading very much. She could finish more than three novels in one week and she managed her time well – studying and enjoying herself with books.

They needed to finish their assignment and of course, library was the best place for them to search the information. There were only few people in the library during this hour and it was the perfect time for Kalsom to focus on her study. She needed a quiet place so she could concentrate. Unlike Merdu, she could study anywhere she liked but she always stick around with Kalsom during the weekend. She loved being in the library too but not as often as Kalsom.

Then Kalsom spotted a group of boys entering the library and sat not far from her table. She couldn’t care less about them but there’s one boy made her mood spoiled. He was in her lecture class and loved cracking jokes with his three friends. Kalsom didn’t like him because he’s a noisy person and talked big. And that made her feel annoyed.

“Merdu, I think I want to go back to the hostel,” said Kalsom, out of the blue.

“Why? Aren’t you feeling well? You look kind of sick,” asked Merdu worriedly.

“My stomach...it doesn’t feel so good,” Kalsom made her face looked like she got stomach-ache.

“Okay. Let’s go back,” said Merdu and both of them left the library. Merdu didn’t know that Kalsom was ‘allergic’ to that particular boy.

As both of them left, that boy took a glance at Kalsom coincidently. Then he spotted something fell down from Kalsom’s book. She wanted to call for her but she disappeared very fast. He picked up that thing and quickly put it in his pocket.

Dear diary,

Today is my rotten luck day! I saw Firdaus at the library this morning with his bunch of friends when Merdu and I were doing our assignment. I nearly finished the last part and those muttering idiots came and spoiled my study mood. It’s not like I hate them but I don’t like them that much, especially Firdaus because he’s lousy, noisy and annoying.

I never talked to him though but I don’t want to. Never. Except for some cases, perhaps. Thank God Merdu doesn’t know about this. She knows I’m not having a love-fest with any boys in this institute. Unlike some of our housemates who fall in love with other boys from other courses. They even went out for a date in the weekend, just like today!

Dating is not my style of life and I promised Mak and Ayah, and Kak Naz to study hard and get a flying colour result. That’s why Merdu and I are here. We’re not going to let any opportunity slips from out hand!

I need to finish my assignment by tonight even though Mr. Hakim wants us to submit the assignment in two weeks. When I have done my assignment, I can continue reading new books at the library. I saw some of new books on the shelves. I can’t wait to read all of them!

There’ll be a night market tomorrow evening and Merdu and I are planning to go there. It’s quite far and we need to get the van early. We love going to the night market for it has a variety of delicacies. I have few Ringgit left so I think I should sometimes spend them on food. My scholarship money is enough for this month since I don’t go out much. Abang Shah sometimes sends some extra money to us if he came visiting us here. Oh, I missed my family so much. Abang Shah is getting married soon and Merdu and I are glad to hear that. We can’t wait to know who our sister-in-law is!

It’s nearly midnight and I have to pen-off. Merdu is snoring soundly. She’s kind of tired because she played netball with our friends this evening. I’m not into netball so I just watched. I’ll write again tomorrow, my dearest diary.

Broken Wings: 10

Chapter 10

I closed the diary and sighed heavily. My eyes were strained because I hadn’t stopped reading for 3 hours. I’m going to get a headache after this. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was half past 8. I put the book on the small table beside my bed and ready for the Isya’ prayer. But I was stopped by the phone ring. I searched for my mobile phone on the bed. It was accidentally slipped under the pillow. The mobile phone was shrieking louder and louder. I looked the name on the screen before I picked the call. It was from my sister, Humaira.

“Hello,” I greeted after giving a salaam.

“Abang, are you home?” asked Humaira.

“Yes. Why?” I answered shortly.

“Aunt Naz wanted to spend her night at our house. Kak Yani will pick her up tomorrow,” said Humaira.

“Okay. You got the key with you, right? I’m going to perform Isya’ prayer and prepare dinner. What about Aswad?” I asked.

“He’s going to stay with Aunt Merdu. Mom is getting stable than last night,” I could hear a voice of relief from Humaira.

Praise to Allah that mother is going to be alright.

I hung up the call and quickly went to the bathroom. After performing Isya’ prayer, I went downstairs. I could hear voices in the kitchen. Humaira and Aunt Nazatul were here. We ate dinner together and Humaira couldn’t stop talking about mother’s health. I, on the other hand, was thinking about mother’s past.

What actually happened to her? Why her mother threw her away from her family? What is the dark secret that Aunt Nazatul knew?

“Abyadh,” called Aunt Nazatul while patting my arms gently. “What’s wrong?” she asked with a concern look on her face.

I cleared my throat two, three times. “I’m thinking about mom,” I replied.

“I know, dear. Everyone is worrying about her condition right now. But we have to continue praying for her,” she patted my arms.

I slowly nodded and continue eating. I really wanted to ask her about the secret but it’s not the right time. Humaira didn’t know about the diary. Maybe Aunt Nazatul knew and I needed to ask her after dinner. I have to wait for Humaira to go to bed first.

“Abang, you look pale. Are you alright?” asked Humaira and gently touched my hand. Then she put the back of her hand on my brow.

“I’m okay, Humaira. Don’t worry,” I forced a smile.

“No, you’re not. You body is a little bit warmer than usual. You need to rest, Abang,” she said, picking up her empty plate and asked me to finish my meal.

I gently pushed the plate aside. I couldn’t eat anymore. And she’s right. I didn’t feel so good. After dinner, Humaira urged me to go to bed early. She brought the medicine to my room. Lucky me, she didn’t notice the light blue diary on the small table.

“Don’t forget to eat this medicine, Abang,” she advised me. “Get well soon,” she kissed me on my left cheek and left the room.

I watched her leave and sighed. Few minutes later, Aunt Nazatul came in. I was leaning to the bed post, flipping the diary randomly. I greeted her and she sat on the bed next to me.

“You need to have a good rest, Abyadh. Your mother will be worried if she knew that you’re having a fever,” said Aunt Nazatul.

“I know,” I chuckled.

“What’s that book?” asked Nazatul with a frown on her face.

“This,” I showed her, “is mom’s diary.”

She was a little bit shocked seeing the diary which I was holding it.

“Where did you find it?” she gasped.

“In her room. I opened the little drawer beside her bed few days ago,” I replied and waited for Aunt Nazatul to speak.

“It’s her precious thing, Abyadh. She won’t let anyone to read it,” Aunt Nazatul looked me in the eyes.

Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. She told me once, a long time ago, that I shouldn’t open the drawer no matter what. And I broke that promise. But I needed to know about my mother’s life which had been a big mystery to me. I didn’t know whether Humaira and Aswad realized this but mother never once told her about her past.

“Aunt Naz,” I broke the silence, “can you tell me one thing?” I asked.

Aunt Naz stared at me.

“Can you please tell me the truth? What had happened to mom? Why your mother hated her so much?” I have to know the truth. This is the right time that I think I should know.

Aunt Naz put her trembling hand on mine. Then she squeezed them gently. I could saw her, trying to hold back the tears. The tears of guilt.

***

Nazatul tried to search for Karamah’s address for so many times but she failed to do so. She couldn’t remember the way to her aunt’s house. She wanted to take Kalsom back to her house. She wanted to tell her the truth. The truth that she heard in that horrible night.

Nazatul just received her MCE result that morning. She got 7A’s and she wanted to further her study in one of the local universities. She was happy and her parents gave her a special present for her; a pearl necklace. It was pretty and she thanked her parents gratefully. Azlan didn’t give her anything and she didn’t mind. She knew Azlan didn’t like to spend his money to buy things for his siblings.

Rohaya threw a great party for Nazatul and invited her rich friends, whose husband got the Datuk title. She bragged on how Nazatul passed her examination with flying colours. Nazatul didn’t like how her mother bragged upon her. She received some presents from her mother’s friends and they congratulated her. Some of her father’s business partners asked her which university she wanted to further her study. One of them even offered her to study at the overseas and he will sponsor her education fee for free.

She politely refused for her father’s friend offer because she wanted to further at the local university. After the party was over, she helped the maids to clear the food and dirty plates and glasses. Rohaya forbade her to do the work but she ignored her. She said that she wanted to help rather than sitting around doing nothing.

Rohaya agreed with her daughter’s decision and let her helped the maids. She went inside the house and joined her husband and her son, Azlan in the dining room where there were some leftovers from the party. Nazatul excused herself after washing the plates because she’s getting sleepy.

As she wanted to go to her room, she heard someone was laughing in the dining room. She slowly took a peep and saw her mother and Azlan were talking while eating the leftovers. No wonder Azlan is getting bigger and fatter, said Nazatul in her little heart.

“Ma, can I ask you something?” asked Azlan while munching the cake.

“Sure, dear. What is it?” smiled Rohaya.

“This question surely going to make you mad. But I really wanted to know.”

Rohaya nodded.

“Is it true that Kalsom not your daughter?”

Rohaya’s face changed a little and Azlan said that she didn’t need to answer the question.

“She’s my daughter, Azlan. My real daughter.”

Nazatul gasped in horror. Her mother was lying all this time.

“Really? Oh, this is frustrating! I hate her, you know! She’s such a spoiled brat and stubborn. And ugly too!” snorted Azlan.

“I hate her too. She used to be as smart as both of you but then as she befriended with that filthy farmer’s daughter, she’s getting dumber and dumber. And that girl was getting smarter. I heard that she was offered to further her secondary education in boarding school.”

“I think that filthy girl sucked her brain or something,” Azlan laughed. Rohaya joined her too.

“But that’s not the main reason. You should know, Azlan, that your sister was a murderer.”

Nazatul couldn’t believe what she’d heard. She nearly cried when she heard those words from her mother.

“A murderer? Seriously?” Azlan was taken aback by the news.

“Yes. She killed your paternal grandmother. Your late grandmother loved her very much and every time we took her there, she was the happiest person in the world. One day, she took Kalsom for a walk near the paddy-field. She took her favourite doll with her. She’s 7 at that time and loved that doll. She played around the paddy-field and slipped as the ground was wet. She dropped her doll as your grandmother pulled her back to the higher ground. She cried, wanting her doll back. Your grandmother then took the doll but the ground was slippery. Suddenly, a cobra appeared and bit your grandmother’s leg. She screamed in pain and she couldn’t be saved because the poison was spreading fast into her body. She died.

Your father and I blamed Kalsom for this. Because of her, your grandmother died. If she didn’t bring her doll, this thing won’t happen. But your grandfather and your aunt didn’t blame her. They said that Kalsom was still small and it was an accident. Your father didn’t talk to her much since then because he loved her late mother dearly. Kalsom didn’t say anything at that time, not even apologizing. And that’s why we hated her.”

Nazatul couldn’t stop crying after hearing the truth. She ran to her room quickly. She prayed to Allah that she wanted to meet Kalsom as soon as possible. She needed to tell Kalsom the truth. And she hated for what her mother did to Kalsom just because of her grandmother’s death.