■Prev
The death.
Death is a fearful thing, shattering all hopes and light that is meant to shine forever.- Quote by Me.
Giggling to herself, Rebecca scribbles down more words on the book before her as she listens to the whispers in her head.
”I see you are writing again and talking to your imaginary friends, too.” Mrs. Craig, Rebecca's mother, spoke with a smile as she picked up her daughter with a thrill.
Dressed in a knee blue gown with an apron tied around her, Mrs. Craig settled her daughter on her lap.
”Mama, see! I wrote something.” Rebecca spoke, showing her mother her new story with so much happiness radiating off her.
”I can see and I would really like to read it now but you know we have to wait for your Papa to be home. He doesn't like missing out on your stories.” Mrs. Craig commented before raining kisses on her baby. ”I made some cookies. Let's go get some.” Mrs. Craig added, which opted young Rebecca on her mother's heels.
”Cookies,cookies, Mama.” Six years old, Rebecca chanted.
Just then, the sound of the door opening alerted the duo.
”Oh, see. It is your dad.” Mrs. Craig said, urging Rebecca to her dad.
”Welcome honey. You came in early today.” Mrs. Craig added while holding on to his briefcase so he could pick up his daughter.
”I feel betrayed. So you don't miss me. Should I head back to work?” Rebecca's, dad Mr. Craig commented with a fake pout, earning a giggle from his wife.
”Now, to my favorite daughter. I miss you so much. Tell me, did you write today?” Her dad enquired.
”You bet I did!” Rebecca replied boastfully.
”Well, I guess we have to eat dinner as soon as possible and read your new story together then.” Mr. Craig replied, hugging his daughter tightly.
”Alright, enough with the father and daughter reunion. Where's my hug?” Mrs. Craig spoke, folding her hands together with the briefcase.
”Haha. And to my lovely wife. Of course, your hug will always come.” Mr. Craig replied, dropping off Rebecca and picking his wife up with a nice thrill.
Giggling endlessly, Rebecca looked at her parents with so much admiration. They inspire her, and with their inspiration, she was able to write stories. Rebecca had learned a lot of words and read stories and dictionaries since she was homeschooled by her mom.
Life has always been fun with her parents. Her dad, being the head of the architecture team in the biggest enterprise in the city, makes her dad go to work five times a day; yes, she counted it.
For her mom, she is an event planner and would take her out whenever she has events to design, and this had introduced Rebecca to more beautiful things. Weddings, birthdays, and so many fun events.
Though she is only familiar with her parents and then her grandma, who lives far away from them, Rebecca's life is fulfilled.
”I'll wash up and meet you guys for dinner soon.” Mr. Craig said, bringing Rebecca's mind back to reality.
Dinner came and went before Rebecca could blink her eyes and then came the family time.
Snuggled in between her parents, her dad read her new story to her and made corrections after the reading.
It has become a tradition practiced every week, which gives Rebecca some days to write a new story, and she loves it.
Her writing career had started at a younger age. Her mom has said she heard her talking to herself a lot, so she decided to get her a book so she'd put it into writing, and that's when the hobby surfaced.
At four, she was already writing well and could write her stories, and her parents had always encouraged her, which grew the passion within her and the voices in her head.
”...the kingdom was restored, and the people
live together in harmony happily ever after.” Mr. Craig read, closing up the book in his hands.
”This is a beautiful story, honey. One day, I know you'll be a great author,” Mrs. Craig commented, which earned her a giggle from her daughter.
Winter, summer, and autumn. Rebecca has seen it all with her vocabulary improved and stories in countless figures.
With her birthday in a few days, Rebecca stared at the book in her hands. She knew it still had more chapters to go, and time wasn't on her side. Holding the book closer to her chest, Rebecca wore a smile.
”Very soon, I'll have you published as a gift to them on my birthday.” she whispered quitely to the book like it was a person.
”What are you writing about this time?” Rebecca's mom asked, peeping into Rebecca's room.
”Ma!” Rebecca screamed, hiding the book at her back. ”Nothing, I… I…” Rebecca stammered, looking around.
Letting out a deep chuckle, her mother came closer. ”If you are keeping the story, then it must be a beautiful one. So, I won't snoop. You can let us know when you finish writing, okay?” Mrs. Craig stated.
”Thank you, Ma.” Rebecca replied, hugging her mother.
”Well, now I have to go out. Your birthday is just three days from now and I have to get a lot of things ready. You stay home. I'll pick up your dad from work, and we will both be home soon.” Mrs. Craig added, hugging her daughter.
An hour later, or was it two? Rebecca couldn't tell as the sound of the thunderstorm woke her from slumber. For some reason, everywhere was dark, and the only source of light was from the presence of the lightning.
”Mom? Dad?” Rebecca called before walking out of her room.
The house felt empty, and Rebecca felt a chill down her spine. Though it was raining, her body was hot, and she felt like…
Ring, ring, ring. The sound of the landline sounded, adding more eerie feelings to the dark house Rebecca stood.
With heavy legs, Rebecca walked to the living room where the landline was neatly placed. Picking up the telephone, Rebecca's world came shattering by the voice on the other end.
I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who comes across this. I'll be tagging a few friends @nkemakonam89 , @kenechukwu97, and @rukkie to check this out.
Image was generated with Meta AI and video from #YouTube
Still yours truly,
Balikis.
Thanks for reading and listening.
Peace be unto those who crave it and more to those who chase it away.