I always wondered what our family tradition was. My mother would never tell me, and I don't think my father even knew. It was obviously going to be an unusual day when my mom came into my bedroom and told me to start packing my things for the journey of my life. I looked at her confused as she smiled at me. As if she were smiling a final goodbye to me, but it didn't bother her that I was leaving.
"Why? Where are we going?"
"You mean where you are going. Sorry dear, it's not my time."
I just stared at her while she began to pick up a duffel bag and fill it with the things I needed. My mind was racing. What was going on? I slowly started to help her pack, still irked about what was taking place.
"Okay, mom, that's all I need."
She smiled as if in heartbreak and stroked my cheek. "Everything will be okay, sweetie. Believe me. This is our family tradition. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you anymore. This is goodbye."
I started to cry. "What? Why? Mom, I'm scared!"
"Shhh, don't be. You'll be safe. Trust me.” She started to cry as well, pulling me into a breathless hug. “Take care of yourself.” And with that, she pushed me away onto a circle in the floor I never noticed and chanted some words. I looked around, panicked, as colorful began to envelope me. And then I blacked out. The last thing I remember is my mother waving to me, trying to keep from crying.
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I lay there, wherever I was, and just stared out into space. Didn’t she want me anymore? Where did she send me? It’s not her time? What isn’t? I started to get a bulging headache when I heard voices around me.
“Is she dead?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Poke her.”
“Don’t poke her!”
I listened to what sounded like two boys arguing above me. Were they talking about me? I slowly rolled onto my back and looked up. I blinked a few times before rolling away screaming.
“Wait, no, its okay! We’re here to help you!” Spoke a spiky blonde with the most gorgeous eyes you’ve ever seen.
“Yeah, don’t be afraid. We’re only trying to help.” The spiky red head spoke, while scratching his head.
I shook your head at them, breathless. They both wore long black coats, boots and gloves. “W-who are you?”
“I’m Roxas. And this is Axel."
I slowly shook my head. The boy named Roxas held out his hand and I gratefully took it. “Thank you.” I looked around and saw a cute little town. A sign told me it was called Twilight Town. I then thought about my own town and began to sob quietly. Axel looked uncomfortable and told Roxas he’d meet him back at the castle.
Roxas wasn’t sure what to say. He looked at me and slowly rubbed my back. Before I realized it, I was crying into his arms. I’m not sure how long I cried, but by the time I was done there was a huge puddle of tears on his coat. “Sorry.” I murmured, stepping back. He just smiled and took my hand. “Come on, let’s go.” I followed the nice boy I had just met. Hopefully he could help me get back home.
