TO BE SAVED

Flashback*

What that woman said to me did not leave my mind for days but I tried not to think about it as much. I was outside hanging the clothes I just finished washing when I heard mom's voice.

"Talitha! Talitha!" She called twice and I immediately dropped the shirt I was holding and headed inside.

"You called for me Mama?" I asked.

"Yes. Sit down there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

For some reason my heart rate increased and I felt anxious.

"When I visited the medicine shop today I decided to also visit the town healer." She said.

I sat there waiting for her to continue. Mama was told by the town healer that she has a condition that progresses slowly, it affects her organs to a point that she loses her breath most times. She was given some herbal medicine and was told to be frequenting the medicine shop to restock it every time.

"My health is not getting better Litha. And I want you to go and stay with my sister in the north country." She said.

I was tearing up at this point because this is not what I was expecting.

"What are you talking about Mama? I cannot possibly leave you here alone with no one to take care of you." I said, allowing the tears to flow freely.

"I know my girl, but I can't let you take care of me alone. And it would be my wish to see that I've left you safe and well taken care of." Also in tears she said. I moved close to her and hugged her.

" I am never leaving you alone, we will find a cure for you. You'll be fine Mama." I said, breaking down completely.

Mama hugged me to herself and told me how much she loved me and I cried uncontrollably.

After some time, I calmed down and went to the kitchen to prepare something for us to eat while Mom slept in her room. My mind was all foggy because I kept on thinking about what she said to me. I finished cooking and since she was still sleeping, I served her food and covered it up properly then put it on the small table that was in her room.

I left the house to clear my mind but it was not working. I then decided to visit the town healer to ask her if there were other ways to save my mother.

On my way there I saw the woman I met at the market the last time and even now she was looking at me.

I hastened my steps so that I can catch up with her. I thought she might run away like last time but she didn't and when I caught up with her she kept on looking at me.

I swallowed hard and said, "Why are you following me?"

"You're the one that saw me and almost ran to me, child". She retorted.

I blinked and for a moment I didn't know what to say.

"Last time, at the market place, you said something about darkness and saving people what did you mean? And why did you choose to tell me that? Was it because I caught you staring? Or was it because I was an easier target?" I fired the questions at her.

The woman smiled and looked at me for a while then said, "For darkness to exist, Light has to be present. And that darkness is closing in on all of us."

The same words? Why is she repeating the same words, I thought.

" You told me that even last time, what does it mean?"

"You ask too many questions child." She said in a calm voice.

At that point, I was beginning to lose my cool. Why was she speaking in riddles? I really didn't understand.

"They are almost here. For us to be saved follow the darkness." She continued.

" Oh and tell Tilda that time is up." She said.

Wait a minute, how did she know my mother, I thought.

" How do you know my mother's name?" I asked with a shaking voice.

" Don't ask me child, ask your mother and find out the answers to your questions."

The woman then began to leave and I was left standing by the road thinking about everything she said.

I decided to return back home instead of continuing my journey to meet the healer, I wanted to ask my mother about everything that the woman said because it was so bothering.

Moments later, I entered the house and went straight to her room. I found her eating the food I prepared for her

" Where did you go Tee? I was looking for you when I woke up." She said.

"For darkness to exist, Light has to be present. And the darkness is closing in on all of us" I quoted and looked at my mom's shocked face.

She dropped the spoon she was holding and looked at me, "Where did you hear that Tee?" She asked with panick in her voice.

I then explained everything that happened including what happened at the market. Mom looked at me again without saying anything then started crying. I was shocked and wondered whether I said something horrible but then she started apologizing.

"I'm so sorry my girl, I didn't mean for anything bad to happen to you. I was only trying to protect you since you are all I have. I'm sorry." She continued crying.

I was also in tears not knowing what to do or say and then she started , "It all began when I found out I was pregnant."