An Invisible Bond

She returned to the depths of the forest, her movements sluggish and devoid of vitality. The dark woods filled her with an overwhelming fear, but her own luminosity allowed her to perceive the surroundings with greater clarity.

However, being alone triggered the resurgence of her traumatic memories, engulfing her mind like a thunderous strike that shattered her very existence.

She couldn't help but question the reason behind her altered appearance, the occurrence that led to this, and the enigma of the small objects in her hand.

Was she awake or trapped in a dream? Had she become possessed by someone, or had she transcended life and entered the realm of witches, fairies, or spirits?

Countless queries flooded her thoughts, yet answers eluded her grasp. She pinched herself forcefully, a jolt of pain confirming that this was no mere dream.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, wincing in agony from the pinch, as she settled on a colossal rock near the towering trees. Leaves cascaded down upon her, while deep within her heart, she yearned for it all to be a dream. Her wounds served as a reminder of her vulnerability.

Beside her, Miniz also perched on the massive rock, attentively observing every move Maya made.

As she surveyed her surroundings, moonlight bathed her, rendering her figure even more radiant and otherworldly. The fragrance of nearby flowers permeated her senses, and a brisk, chilling wind caressed her face, sending shivers down her spine.

Suddenly, a transformation unfolded behind her, unbeknownst to her. Enigmatic, magical dust began to materialize as if heralding the imminent manifestation of mystical forces.

While contemplating how she had transitioned from a regular human during the day to an ethereal being at night, Maya found herself growing numb from the enchanting dust.

The injuries she sustained during her time at the factory began to fill with the magical particles, and miraculously, the wounds dissipated, as if they had never existed.

Witnessing this extraordinary occurrence, Maya gasped in astonishment, her mouth agape. "My wounds vanished? Goodness, gracious!"

"Does magic reside within me, or was it this dust that worked its wonders?" she mused, her face reflecting a mixture of surprise and an almost imperceptible smile.

Miniz observed, pondering silently, "Did magic bring happiness to Maya, or did it merely astound her?" They were ever vigilant, closely watching her emotions, for those emotions were their own—her tears.

Though their purpose remained unknown, it undoubtedly existed. Unable to communicate verbally, Miniz could only embody Maya's emotions in physical form.

Under their carefree demeanor, resembling a child unburdened by worries, they possessed the capacity to comprehend their master.

Unaware of their true nature, Maya regarded them as friends. She remained oblivious to the fact that she stood as their mistress.

(A few days later)

Hoor's voice boomed with fury, "Who is knocking so vehemently?" Fatigued by the incessant pounding on the door, she harbored no patience for those who intruded upon her solitude.

"We were informed that Maya has gone missing. Has she returned?" inquired one of the locals feigning concern while standing at the doorstep.

Ever since Maya's disappearance, numerous individuals had been visiting their home, incessantly asking the same question.

While Maya's family already grappled with devastation and anguish, the locals appeared to derive some twisted pleasure from the situation.

They seemed to revel in aggravating Maya's family's wounds, retorting, "No, we'll let you know when she returns!"

Hoor, on the verge of tears, declared with determination, "Now leave and never show your faces again, unless you want to face the consequences."

She longed to deliver a more forceful blow to each one of them than the pounding on the door.

"Where are you, Maya?" Hoor silently implored as she closed the door, her heart burdened with sorrow.

Maya's family scoured the area tirelessly for days, but their efforts proved fruitless. How could they find her when she had vanished without a trace, leaving her loved ones shattered and desolate?

In a weak, feeble voice, Maya's mother asked her daughter, "Who was at the door?"

Seated next to her mother, administering medication, Hoor responded with exasperation, "No one, just a bunch of heartless and useless people."

Taking charge as if she were her mother's guardian, she commanded, "Here, take this and rest."

Upon learning about these individuals, Maya's mother wept once more, her tears flowing incessantly, marking the eighth time that day.

Hoor, increasingly irritated by her mother's physical and emotional state, voiced her frustration, "Mom, why do you only cry? Weeping won't bring Maya back home. You need to be strong, see how hard Father is working to find her. Mom, she'll return soon."

She mustered a resolute gaze, projecting her strength to her mother, who continued to sob. "Your eyes are swollen and encircled by dark shadows, tell me everything."

Overwhelmed, Hoor succumbed to her emotions and cried out, relinquishing all semblance of composure. Mother and daughter both dissolved into tears.

***

Numerous days had passed since Maya found herself in this forest. She perpetually carried an air of melancholy, weeping incessantly as memories of her family consumed her thoughts.

She attempted to approach other humans who ventured into the forest for hikes, but they recoiled in fear of her. Moreover, she remained clueless about her whereabouts.

However, during this time, a peculiar pattern emerged. Whenever she descended into despair, longing for death, something always interceded, rescuing her from the brink.

Each time she felt despondent, an inexplicable surge of vitality coursed through her, compelling her to carry on. Its source remained a mystery, yet its influence was undeniably powerful. This cycle had become a recurrent theme ever since she arrived in the forest.

Once, while perched atop a cliff by the shoreline, contemplating suicide, Maya felt an invisible force seize her waist, promptly redirecting her fall and depositing her safely on the sandy beach.

On another occasion, she endeavored to impale herself with a sharp wooden stick she had procured, only to have it forcefully wrested from her grasp and flung far away by an unseen power. Though unaware of its nature, this mysterious entity continually came to her aid.

Enraged, she bellowed, "Who are you, and why do you persistently save me?"

"Show yourself to me, won't you? Tell me who are you?" she would shout whenever she sensed a potent presence.

Despite her fervent attempts to catch a glimpse of it, the entity always eluded her sight.