Alexander and Maya lay peacefully asleep at my sides, their gentle breathing a soothing balm-It felt surreal having two children snuggled up against me once more During the bombardment, I had lost my children and loving husband. It seemed like the universe was now bringing back what it had unfairly deprived me of. Yet, it couldn’t erase the unyielding nightmares that had taken residence in my dreams.
The moon, veiled by clouds, cast a silver glow on the walls, illuminating the dark memories that haunted me. My head grew too heavy to hold up, weighed down by the trauma I’d endured.
Later that night, as my mind slipped into the realm of sleep, the dream began—transporting me back to that fateful day-My husband and children were walking hand in hand with me when loud sirens pierced the air, followed by panic-stricken screams. Instinctively, my children buried their faces in my chest, seeking comfort and protection. I wrapped my arms around them, trying to shield them from the horrors that surrounded us.
Above, the sky teemed with descending bombs, their concussive blasts turning skyscrapers and city streets into debris that descended upon us like a deadly hail. As everything fell apart, a coldness seeped into every inch of my body.
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My husband’s eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of fear and determination, as he saw a sinkhole forming beneath our feet. His last act was to push me and the children out of danger before a massive piece of skyscraper crushed him. I wanted to pause and process everything that was unfolding before my eyes, but my children’s frightened screams snapped me back to reality.
Survival instincts kicked into overdrive, and with my children held in my arms, I took off running, desperate for any form of refuge. Through the shattered streets, the ground split into a ravine, and stumbled, my heart racing with fear. My grip on my children loosened, and they fell, tears streaming down their faces With an involuntary shout I woke myself up My breath Labored As the familiar scent of the ship Returned Followed by the rhythmic Vibrations of its engines as my eyes came into Focus Alexander and Maya's faces came into view, bathed in the gentle moon light
The fearful expression on my face melted into maternal love. My fingertips gilded gently over their skin, caressing them softly. As my breathing slowed, becoming steady and calm, my heart swelled with gratitude for these precious lives beside me—and a second chance at motherhood.
