whispers from yesterday

Zara's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred from the remnants of her tumultuous dream. As her surroundings gradually came into focus, she found herself lying in her bed, her father kneeling beside her, his face etched with worry and tears streaming down his cheeks.

Confusion and lingering remnants of fear clung to her as she tried to make sense of the jarring transition from her dream to reality. The echo of her brother's cries still resonated in her ears, echoing through the chambers of her mind. Her racing heart slowly steadied as she realized she had been reliving a haunting memory from her past.

Tears welled up in Zara's own eyes as she reached out to her father, seeking solace in his embrace. His arms enveloped her, offering comfort and grounding amidst the storm of emotions. She could feel the warmth of his touch and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a reassurance that she was safe and loved.

"You were screaming in your sleep, Zara," her father's voice trembled with concern, breaking the silence. "I tried waking you, but you seemed trapped in the nightmare."

Zara's voice quivered as she struggled to find her own words, her throat tight with a mixture of fear and vulnerability. "I... I saw... I remembered the car... and my brother... the cries... It was so vivid."

Her father's grip tightened, a mixture of pain and understanding crossing his face. He had witnessed her journey through trauma and had done everything in his power to shield her from the memories that haunted her. His voice, laden with regret, whispered softly, "I'm so sorry, my dear. I tried to protect you from those painful memories. But sometimes they find a way back, haunting our dreams."

As Zara leaned into her father's comforting presence, the weight of their shared sorrow and shared love hung in the air. They knew that the car accident had changed their lives forever, altering the course of their family's destiny and leaving scars that time could not erase.

In that moment, as tears mingled and hearts embraced, Zara realized that she was not alone in her pain. Her father had shouldered the burden with her, doing his best to protect and support her through the shadows of the past.

Gently, her father wiped away her tears, his eyes conveying a mix of determination and tenderness. "We will face these memories together, Zara," he whispered, his voice filled with unwavering strength. "We'll find a way to heal and move forward, as a family."

Zara clung to her father's words, finding solace in the shared commitment to healing and the unbreakable bond they shared. In the face of the painful memories that had resurfaced, she knew that their love and resilience would guide them through the darkest nights, lighting the path to a future where healing and hope awaited.

The car pulled up near the entrance of the college campus, and a heavy silence hung in the air, suffocating the atmosphere between Zara and her father. The tension that had brewed during their argument still lingered, leaving an unspoken rift between them.

The ride to school was a very quiet one, after their argument over her moving to the campus.

As the engine idled, Zara's father turned to her, his face etched with worry and concern. His voice was strained, reflecting the inner turmoil that plagued him. "Zara, I understand your desire to stay on campus, but how will you explain your whereabouts on nights of the full moon? How will you manage the constant toil of your memories, the transformations that consume you?"

Zara's gaze dropped to her trembling hands, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's words. She knew he was genuinely concerned for her well-being, but she also felt the longing for independence burning within her. Finding the right words was a daunting task, for her desires clashed with the reality of her condition.

"I... I don't know, Dad," Zara's voice wavered, her words a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "I'll figure it out somehow. Maybe I can find a way to handle the transformations discreetly or seek support from people who understand."

Her father's eyes bore into hers, his worry and love intermingling. He took a deep breath, his voice softened with a glimmer of hope. "Zara, I just want you to be safe and protected. If staying on campus is what you truly desire, then I'll support you. But promise me that you'll be careful and seek help when you need it. Don't bear this burden alone."

Zara nodded, the weight of her father's concern heavy upon her shoulders. Despite their disagreements, she knew that his intentions were rooted in love and a genuine desire to keep her from harm. She reached out to grasp his hand, squeezing it gently as a silent promise.

"I promise, Dad," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. "I won't face this alone. I'll find a way to navigate the challenges and seek support when I need it. We're in this together, remember?"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her father's lips, a glimmer of relief mingling with the love in his eyes. He released a long exhale, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and acceptance. "Yes, my dear. We're in this together. Just be safe, and never forget that I'm here for you, no matter what."

As Zara stepped out of the car, a bittersweet mixture of determination and longing filled her heart. She knew that her journey ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but she also felt a newfound strength within her. With her father's love and support guiding her, she was ready to face the nights of the full moon and the mysteries that lay ahead, armed with resilience and the unbreakable bond they shared.

As she navigated her way to the hall for her first lecture, Zara heard his footsteps, and his heartbeat was quickening.

And the familiar voice called out, "Zara, hold on".