Seedlings

Khurani looked up at the blue sky. There were few clouds in the sky and the sun was shining brightly. On the road there were few trees to rest under. The journey down the highway was getting tough because of the little rest and unusually high temperature.

Khurani already felt so weak from her encounter with Sai and Mizu. She was trying to recall the past event but some parts of it had been blacked out from her memory.

“Did something happen?” She asked herself, “I wish I could remember those parts.” She groaned and wiped her forehead. Usually the heat wouldn’t have bugged her but it was now. Her forehead felt so warm along with her cheeks and neck. Was she getting a fever?

Khurani spotted a lone tree up the road. “If I can make it to there I think I can rest.” She whispered weakly to herself.

Her walking turned into stumbles as her vision appeared to fade in an out. She stopped, now feeling worse than she did earlier. She took one more step before her body refused to continue. In a single moment she collapsed to the dusty ground, instantly becoming unconscious.

“Awaken girl, now.” A woman’s voice snapped at Khurani.

Khurani’s eyes instantly snapped open. She looked around. It became apparent to her that she was dreaming. Everything was shrouded in darkness. She could feel cold concrete beneath her but all she could see was darkness. It was like being suspended in mid air in the night.

“So how much longer will you live this lifestyle until you set me free?” The voice asked, “I’m tired of being shrouded in darkness.”

“Huh? Who are you?” Khurani asked into the darkness. She looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice.

A snicker was heard. “My identity is not important, but our existence is. You are being reckless girl. Back there you almost got us killed.” The voice echoed in a harsh tone.

Khurani winced. “What do you mean us? I was the one in danger.” She asked.

“You put the both of us in danger because you refuse to attack an enemy. Our enemy! If you refuse to protect our existence then I’ll take over. I owe many their freedom and I’m not going to let us die because of you.” The voice echoed.

Khurani blinked. “I still don’t understand. Who are you? Why are you here in my dreams? Who do you owe freedom to?” Khurani asked one question after another.

“SILENCE. I’m tired of your questions. If you refuse to protect our existence then I’ll protect us. You won’t like my way.”

Suddenly Khurani jolted awake. She rubbed her eyes. “Who…who was that woman?” She asked herself. She sighed. “I need to sleep less often; I end up dreaming the oddest things.”

Khurani then realized that she wasn’t lying on the highway anymore. The ground under her was softer, almost like a bed. It was a bed! Khurani had a roof over her head and four wooden walls surrounding her. She was in someone’s home.

“Where am I? How did I get here?!” She quickly sat up and looked around. Her eyes darted to the edge of the bed where a simple yet refined black dress was folded and placed neatly on her bed.

Khurani blinked. “Did someone find me?” She asked. She studied herself over. Her attire was filthy.

A soft knock was heard at the door. “Miss, are you awake now?” An elderly woman asked from behind the door.

“Oh umm…yes?” She replied to the woman behind the door. She watched as the door open to reveal and short, elderly woman.

“Thank goodness. My husband found you at the side of the road roughed up and brought you here.” The old woman explained. She gently smiled at Khurani. “Do you like the dress? Do you need a shower? Are you hungry dear?” The woman asked.

Khurani could barely keep up with the questions. “Thank you, I appreciate you bringing me to your home. I must thank your husband later.” She thanked, “I also could use some cleaning up and yes I’m a little hungry ma’am.”

“Oh well then! I’ll go tell my husband you’re awake. Then, while you clean up I’ll make you some dinner. You must be starving you poor thing!” The elderly woman quickly walked off to prepare dinner and tell her husband of the good news.

Khurani chuckled softly. “What a sweet woman.” She whispered to herself. She got out of the bed and grabbed the black dress. There was a door exiting the room from the wall to her left. The smell of lavender escaped from the door. The smell signalled her that the room was the bathroom. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

It was a little while longer before Khurani had met the elderly couple in the kitchen. The table was already set and food had been placed onto lovely plates.

The couple were named Bernard and Edna Vincent. They had two children who lived in the city, and four grand children. They spoke about their past life with Khurani as they sat down to enjoy the meal Edna had prepared.

“So Khurani, why were you traveling along the high way by yourself? That isn’t safe for a young girl like you.” Bernard asked.

“Oh well…I was running away.” Khurani said, trying to be vague with her answer. She didn’t want to reveal she was a Seedling.

“Running away? You mean from home? The police?” Edna asked.

“Oh…umm…I was running away from home!” Khurani replied quickly, “Yeah, I was running away from home.”

Bernard raised a brow. “Now why would you be running away from home?” He asked, “The laws today are pretty strict and benefit young ladies like you.”

Khurani looked down and frowned. “Just because laws are made does not mean they are enforced in a house hold.” She said solemnly.

Bernard nodded his head. “I understand then. Please take your time eating.” He told her.

Edna looked to her husband. She frowned at him and watched as Khurani eat.

Khurani smiled as she finished off the meal. She was a little slow at eating even if eating was a rarity to her. She bowed her head. “Thank you for the stories and the meal. I enjoyed my stay.” She said.

Edna frowned. “You’re not thinking about leaving just yet, are you darling? You still seem so frail!” Edna asked, “Please stay a bit longer darling.”

Bernard nodded. “Yes Khurani, you still appear weak to us. Just stay here a little while longer. Just until you seem fit enough to continue.” Bernard insisted.

Khurani sat back down, slowly nodding her head. “Alright, I’ll stay a bit longer.” Khurani said, not sounding pleased.

Edna continued to frown. “Khurani, why would you want to leave so soon? You seem so determined to get away. No one will find you here.” Edna said.

Khurani looked down at her feet. “That’s my fear…to be found.” She said. She looked to Edna. “Do you mind if I take a nap?” She asked, “I still feel a bit dizzy.”

Edna nodded her head. “Go right ahead dear, sleep as much as you need.” She replied softly.

Khurani got up from her seat and walked to the room she had been placed in earlier. She shut the door behind her.

Bernard looked to his wife. “Edna, do you really believe she’s running from home?” Bernard asked, “Her story seems a little suspicious to me.”

Edna shook her head. “I don’t believe her story either. Do you think we should report her for inspection?” She asked.

Bernard nodded his head. “We can’t just ignore the fact that she could be a Seed escaping the city and taking refuge in our home.” He said.

Edna sighed. “I’ll make the call dear.” Edna walked into the living room to find the telephone.

Khurani could hear their conversation from her room. She gulped. “I need to leave her.” She thought to herself quietly, “If I don’t…I’ll be caught.” She looked towards the window, deciding it was time to escape.

“Our existence will be threatened if I don‘t.” She mimicked to herself.