Drip… Drip… Drip…
The words started to blur in front of my eyes. My grief is tearing my already broken heart. The pain is too vivid and the misery is so unsullied. Teardrops ran down my cheeks, enjoying their temporary freedom. I closed the book and stared at the magnificence of the sky above.
Melancholy has been my companion since almost everything. I don’t know why and I don’t know how but I just can’t seem to smile and laugh. I just can’t seem to absorb the happiness the world is radiating. I have a caring family, good school and active social life. Everything about me is normal. Yet why do I feel empty inside? Why does a void exist in the depths of my being? I sighed and gazed intensely at the stars that seem to preen under my awed gaze.
I suddenly remembered that it was Friday. A smile formed in my lips, and then my eyes immediately darted on my table. There, on my book shelf was the bright, yellow sticky note that stated my schedule for tomorrow. Practice for the Play (Sat, 9 AM). The smile was instantly replaced by a grimace.
The loud laughter coming from below woke me up me from my snooze. I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaled, exhaled, then got up. I fumbled for my phone, checked my messages and deciding that none of it were that important, glanced at the time and tossed it in my bed. It’s past 4 PM. So much for my Saturday appointment. After washing myself up, I went to my table and picked up the book I was reading last night, completely submerging myself to the solitude of the world of words.
The cold and gentle breeze broke through my open window. I looked outside and found my gaze locked on the inviting forest across the turning point. A sudden urgency to take a stride in the forest lingered in the depths of me. I looked on my wall clock. Its twenty minutes after 5 PM. All of a sudden, I saw myself putting on my black jacket. My parents are away due to their 20th anniversary and my brother is up in his room, jamming with friends.
"The food is in the fridge. I’m going out. Don’t bother waiting for me," I called loudly as I got out of the door. I didn't wait for his reply and just got outside.
A deep sigh of pleasure escaped from my mouth as I reached the forest. There seemed to be voices calling me, seeking me as I pave my way to the hazy place. Yes, this is where I wanted to be. I don’t know why but a feeling of belonging washed over me, as if I’m a large part of this place and this is where I’m destined to be. I shook my head to remove all the absurdness and walked deeper into the woods, familiarizing every detail of the forest as I walk. Leaves shook and branches creaked but the sound was very pleasant to my ears. Grasses swayed with perfect rhythm and animals seemed to hush as a strong yet gentle wind traveled around the forest. I hugged myself, enjoying the contentment and peacefulness that's enveloping the woods.
The best moment of my life was disturbed by the tiny raindrops coming from the dim sky. I completely forgot the time and hastily glanced at my watch. It’s already 7:27 PM. Wind blew harshly and the trees shook violently. Seems like there’s a storm coming. My paradise turned completely into hell as the weather got worse. I zipped up my jacket, put on my hood and ran for the largest tree that partially covered me from the fat drops of the downpour.
A new wave of emotion swept over me. Fear. Reality dawned on me. I’m alone, wet and cold here in the forest. I was soaked under the tree and a terrible headache was swiftly piercing my whole being. My body unexpectedly began to feel heavy that my knees became numb and buckled. I fell on the muddy ground and was forced to embrace the world of darkness.
My eyes involuntarily flew open as I felt cold and strong arms carry me. I also became aware of the motion that is unfathomably fast. A man. An unfamiliar man was carrying me. He has a hair that seem to rival the midnight in color and aloof brown eyes with golden little flecks; a strong jaw; a pale complexion; lean yet slightly muscular build; prominent nose. A perfect profile. A God-like appearance.
But then.It can’t be. Flashbacks of certain scenarios played on my mind.
"I know what you are," I blurted out without thinking. It took a lot of my guts to stare at him and wait for his response.
"Your knowledge of my existence and my being is the least of my concerns right now," he replied, his velvety voice caressing my face. I continued to stare at his stunning face until he spoke again.
"Why did you come here? Don’t you know that this is place is death-defying?"
"Is it too surreal when I say that the forest invited me here in its kingdom?” I asked, mesmerized by his striking beauty.
He met my eyes. “My sanctuary sensed my distress and called out to you.”
“Why? Who am I to you? How are we connected?”
“I will be testing your patience. Some things are better left unsaid for the meantime.”
He sighed and in a fraction of a second, we're standing in front of my house. We stared into each other’s eyes, measuring each other.
"Will I see you again?"
"Soon. But remember, I shall come to you. Never abandon your sanctuary for mine. You will never know what’s lurking behind the woods."
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes. You’re special, Dova. I’ll always watch over you.”
“One last question. What will I call you?”
“Raven.”
“So we’re both named after birds? That’s our ridiculous little something?”
“Maybe. Satisfy yourself first with that information. But remember, you play an immense role in my life, and I in yours. We’re fated. Keep that in mind. Ciao, Dova.” He rang the doorbell.
He surprised me by smiling for the first time and left, disappearing quickly. The door opened and I saw the worried look on my brother and his friends' faces. They asked me a ton of questions but I’m hardly aware, for in my mind, I’m already preoccupied with the interesting turn of events. I got up to my bedroom, telling them that I’m okay and that I need to rest. The sky didn’t disappoint me. Stars twinkled brightly, as if smiling and saying hi at me. There’s no sign of the blasted storm at all. I grinned. Finally, I found what I’ve been missing all along – the reason to live. I sighed happily. Raven and Dova. A raven and a dove. How contradicting.
