The Plan

As I gradually emerged from the depths of sleep, I found myself engulfed in darkness. But as the light gradually filtered in, the first faces I saw were those of my uncle and auntie. However, I was immediately struck by confusion, as they appeared much younger, devoid of the wrinkles and signs of aging that I was accustomed to seeing.

My uncle approached a child lying on the road, her body covered in dirt and wounds, her frame frail and emaciated. "She's still breathing, Sarah," he said, his voice tinged with concern.

My auntie hurried to his side, assessing the situation with a sense of urgency. "Let's bring her to the nearest hospital," she declared, her tone decisive.

My uncle nodded in agreement, gently lifting the helpless child into his arms. As he scanned the area for any signs of help, I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between the child and myself, my eyes widening in astonishment at the uncanny similarity.

The scene shifted abruptly, transporting me to a different setting entirely. Now, we were seated around a table, sharing a meal together. Laughter and joy filled the air as we playfully teased Elizabeth, and my auntie beamed with happiness as she listened to our banter.

A pang of longing surged within me as I reached out to touch them, yearning to feel their presence once more. But before my fingers could make contact, they were enveloped in swirling smoke, vanishing before my eyes.

In the next instant, I found myself standing by Elizabeth's bedside, flanked by my uncle and auntie. Tears streamed down their faces as they listened to the doctor's somber words, their expressions wrought with anguish and despair.

Before I could discern the doctor's message, the scene abruptly shifted once again, leaving me disoriented and bewildered by the rapid succession of events. Each glimpse into the past stirred emotions within me, dredging up memories and feelings that I had long suppressed.

As the scenes shifted once more, I found myself standing amidst vast fields of rice, working alongside my uncle under the scorching sun. But our labor was abruptly interrupted when the Mayor summoned my uncle to the grand hall.

As my uncle disappeared into the opulent surroundings of the Mayor's residence, I remained outside, acutely aware of the curious glances and disdainful remarks directed at me. Ignoring the judgmental stares, I stood my ground, unwilling to be shaken by their mockery.

When my uncle finally emerged from the imposing doors, his eyes were red with tears, his face etched with sorrow. My heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation. It was the day my uncle lost his job, a day marked by profound loss and despair.

The subsequent scenes unfolded with a palpable sense of sadness, each moment steeped in sorrow and regret. 

As the scenes unfolded before me, each one filled with its own share of heartache and despair, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. Elizabeth's anguished cries echoed in my ears as she received the devastating news from the doctor - the crushing realization that she would never walk again.

Meanwhile, my uncle's futile attempts to secure employment were met with rejection and indifference, leaving him feeling defeated and disheartened. Everywhere he turned, doors slammed shut in his face, leaving him with no choice but to bear the weight of his burdens alone.

My auntie's tear-streaked face bore the marks of her own struggles, as she faced the harsh realities of her daughter's condition and the relentless demands of her employer. Each day seemed to bring new challenges and hardships, leaving her weary and worn down by the relentless onslaught of adversity.

And as for me, sitting outside the house with nothing but a clean plate and a glass of water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of profound emptiness and despair. The weight of the world seemed to press down upon me, suffocating me with its unrelenting grip as I grappled with the overwhelming sorrow and pain that surrounded me.

In moments like these, it felt as though the weight of the world was crushing down upon us, leaving us bewildered and helpless in the face of life's relentless challenges. Despite our best efforts to navigate the complexities of existence, we found ourselves stumbling in the darkness, unable to grasp the elusive concept of happiness.

No matter how hard we tried to do what was right, it seemed as though fate conspired against us, casting us adrift in a sea of sorrow and despair. Each day brought with it a new wave of hardships and struggles, leaving us to question the very nature of our existence.

In those moments of profound pain and anguish, it was as though the world itself was mocking us, reminding us of our vulnerability and mortality. The agony we endured served as a cruel reminder of our humanity, a visceral affirmation that we were still alive, albeit barely clinging to the fragile threads of hope.

Yet, amidst the darkness and despair, there lingered a glimmer of longing, a silent plea for respite from the ceaseless torment of existence. We yearned for an end to the suffering, for a reprieve from the relentless onslaught of pain and sorrow that threatened to consume us whole.

I was puzzled about what we might have done wrong and why it felt like we were facing widespread hostility. We couldn't discern any wrongdoing on our part, yet people seemed inexplicably angry with us. Not a single person was willing to lend a hand or offer assistance.

Fueled by a mix of anger and sadness, I found myself propelled into motion that night. As I gazed ahead, I witnessed my own reflection wiping away tears, prompting me to rise swiftly. Under the veil of night, with everyone else asleep, slipping out unnoticed was effortless.

I wandered aimlessly through the forest, hoping to stumble upon some fruit for our morning meal. However, my attention was abruptly captivated when I spotted a shirt lying on the ground.

Scanning my surroundings, I confirmed there was no one in sight before cautiously retrieving the shirt—a man's uniform. Dread washed over me as I recognized it as belonging to a rebel.

Recollections flooded my mind of the whispers circulating the day before about someone being apprehended in these woods. Oblivious at the time, my uncle and I were preoccupied with our pursuit for money.

A smile crept across my face as a plan began to take shape in my mind.