Freedom again: under this sky it all began

ice calling me, urging m

, my dear," the

Whose voice carri

led back into a messy bun. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, evident in the dark circles under her normally caring green eyes. She wore a simple

yet her tenderness remained unfazed. If only she knew

kiss on the top of my head. The reality of having to go to school hit me, and I wondered why life had to be so cruel. Why did I h

plied, acknowled

rowful stare. Taking a deep breath, I responded, "Yes, mom. It's been almost a month." If only she knew the magnitude of my

alright, remember what dad always tells you when you say that," I offered, attempting to comfort

em so sad then?" she inquired. I closed my eyes, suppressing my own tears. "I just miss you, that's all," I lied. "I miss yo

drive you to school," she said, releasing

for a respite from the nightmares that awaited me. Wishing she c

" she replied, her words filled with genuine sincerity. I cast my gaze downward, defeated, fully a

I will be waiting for you," she said, mentioning his name.

embodied a living nightmare. He was the reason I longed for each day

Left trembling in her wake, I braced myself to confront the devil w

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++