Awakening

by Hayden Pearton

  *

  For the first time, I see light instead of darkness. The void is gone, taking the spheres of what could be with it. No dreams assault my mind, no nightmares attack my body. In this place, this world of light, I am at peace. The light begins to solidify, forming a scene from my memories. First, a field of sweet-scented green grass, which stretches beyond the horizon. Next, a massive oak bursts from the soft earth. I watch as the world is made from the light.

  Overhead, a clear-blue sky. To my left, a sparkling, pure lake. To my right, an unending swath of emerald covers the rich soil. Behind me, a large manor is rising from the dust. It's spotless, painted white façade tells of a beloved home. It's wide double doors stand open, ready to welcome anyone into the spacious interior. From within the house, I hear sounds of merriment. The sense of peace draws me inside, to the house filled with laughter.

  “Hello?” I call out, but there is no answer. Stepping further into the jubilant home, I enter a room that could only be the dining room. For the first time, since the dream began, I feel hesitant. This is too pure, too good for me. My life is one of uncertainty and pain... peace and happiness do not belong in my heart. Whoever is showing me these things... do they know that they are tormenting me? Mocking me by showing me something I will never have.

  “That's not it.” I turn, searching for the voice. She is there, sitting quietly in the shadows, her amber eyes glowing in the darkness. She steps forward, a sad smile on her pretty face.

  “Who are you?” Standing up, she comes to me, her white dress a stark contrast to her shoulder length, chestnut hair. Her amber eyes bear kindness, but there is sorrow there too, an indescribable sadness that accompanies her movements. She moves like a widow in mourning, but she is too young to have already married and lost.

  “I look like a widow? Now that's not very nice.” The confusion must have been plain of my face, for she continued with, “Don't worry, I can't read your mind. But I do know how you think, so it's easy to guess what you thought. Ah! I haven't given you my name yet, Alza.”

  How does she know my-

  “Name? I heard that cute boy calling you earlier. You should be nicer to him, you know? After everything he's done for you, the least you could do is show him a smile or something.”

  I don't know how to smile.

  “Ah, well that could be problematic. Anyway, we're getting off topic... ah, yes, my name is... what was my name again? Hmm, it seems that you haven't remembered it yet, so for now, let's just go with Amber. Yes, that has a nice ring to it.”

  Once again, she moves closer, now within arm’s reach. She is so friendly, so trusting... I can see it in her eyes, which are almost golden in the light. She raises her hand, and I prepare to fight. Even in my dreams, the power that lies within me exists, so I should be able to summon it here.

  Clearing my mind, I try to picture the energy, the vibrant flame that lives in my soul. I allow the flame to wash over me, warming me with its radiance. It overflows, a great flood of power that cannot be contained. I have to let it out! But it does not come. It lies there, in the shadow of my heart, unmoving.

  “Alza... I won't hurt you... I will never hurt you. We are bonded by blood... our fates are entwined, in a way that even I do not fully understand.” Once again, she raises her hand, and I allow her to bring it close. With soft fingers, she caresses my face, while her eyes wander up to my ivory hair. “I wish it could have been me... If things had been different... If I had been the one chosen... would I still be able to see the sky? No, it's pointless to think about what could have been.”

  Reaching down, Amber takes my hand, clasping it tightly in hers. The sorrow in her eyes is still there, but it looks slightly more bearable. Pulling me along, she leads me outside. Once we are standing in the open air, she turns to me. For the first time since this dream began, she looks distraught. It feels as though tears might start trickling down her face at any moment, and I am at a loss as to what I should do.

  “This is the end of our time together... but, I will see you again. Remember, we share an unbreakable bond... I hope, the next time we meet, you will call me by my real name. Until then, Alza, don't let go of Him.”

  I want to ask her what she means, but she vanishes in a flash of light before I can form the words. With Amber gone, the world starts to collapse. The lake; the fields of grass; the welcoming manor-house; all are quickly consumed by the light. Soon, I am alone, surrounded by the warm, embracing light once more...