Kindred Wolves: 1, #1

By Gabrielle Chauvin

During the medieval ages, a young girl of five, named Colette lost the only family she had left; her mother. After seeing her mother murdered before her very eyes by a man her mother trusted, Colette was forced to flee. Struggling for dear life she found sanction in a near by forest, she soon called home. In her difficult and lonely circumstances, Colette taught herself to hunt, track, fight, and most of all to survive. However, all of that changes thirteen years later, when her world is yet again flipped upside down. Her rules for survival no longer apply and she is forced to rely on other people then herself.

Trust is not something she gives willingly and love is something she has never known, but hate, revenge, and guilt is something that fuels her very core, her very existence.

Could she possibly let go of her past? Could she learn to trust and to love? Can she finally understand why her mother let herself die in order to give her daughter a chance at life?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gabrielle Chauvin
• Release date: Feb 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386915812

Gabrielle Chauvin

My name is Gabrielle and I was born and raised in a small French community in southern Ontario. So small in fact people joked that if you were passing by and blinked, you would miss it, but I won't bore you with small town mumbo jumbo. Let's just say I grew up with horses, large dogs and farming fields as far as the eye could see. My family consists of many people, but here are a few. I have two sisters, one older and one younger, two loving parents who raised me to be kind, smart and a dreamer. A loving fiancé and I can't forget my St-Bernard of course; he loves me too. Now, for as long as I can remember I have always looked up to the sky. At first I wanted to walk on the moon, to be amongst the dark starry night, however, as time went by that dream quickly turned into being a pilot. At first it was an airbus pilot, than a fighter jet pilot, and then a helicopter pilot. I dreamed of nothing else but that pure freedom. So indubitably I went sky diving and loved it. If sky diving isn't on your bucket list I definitely recommend you add it. Of course through all of this I was writing. I began writing at the age of 12 but after losing all 250 pages of my first book on a crashed computer I wasn't certain if I should continue. None the less I began writing a new and different story at 14, and that book would be Kindred Wolves. It took me 2 years to finish writing it and then I began the second and then after the third. And as my writing progressed I started dreaming of a different dream, to be a published author. Now I still have lots of work ahead of me, and although some may be confused as to how I went from wanting to be a pilot to a writer, I am not. You see, I went from the dreamer to the one who creates dreamers. I absolutely love writing, and could not imagine anything more freeing, more beautiful and more wonderful. Writing brings me peace and it makes me happy, what else could possibly compare?

Book preview

Kindred Wolves

Introduction

They say that with time, life gets better and painful experiences become distant memories. They say, as you grow older, the meaning behind one's life becomes clearer. They say many things, all of which I do not believe. Life does not get better, life does not grow clearer, and pain certainly does not drift away into the back of one's mind. Whoever said these things are liars. They know nothing about life because I can personally say that life is a stairwell that leads people directly to hell.

I would know because my life is hell, it never gets better but always grows worse. I fight for survival and that is all I ever do, nothing more and nothing less.

I never would have imagined this kind of life for myself. However here I am all the same as usual, going through the scraps of food left over from that big, ridiculous, happy family. Always laughing and smiling, never having any worries in the world. They are so ignorant, not realizing how blissful their lives are and how easy they have it.

What I would not give to be that girl. It makes me sick; to see how the only stress in her life is not knowing which man she should marry and it seems that every day she changes her mind.

It is amazing what a person can learn from under a window sill and although they sicken me, I envy their lives, wishing my life could be so easy and simple. I know wishing is stupid and it could never possibly happen. Wishes and fairytales never came true; dreams never came true, at least, not for me.

I lick the last bone clean before whipping it against their house, releasing all my hate, anger, and frustrations. I know what I am about to do will slice me in half but I must do it all the same. I clench my hands into fists trying to fill myself with strength and confidence as I turn and sneak a peek through their window. Seeing them laugh and smile cuts right through me, like I knew it would. Watching them, wishing it could be me they laughed with, me they cared so much about. How lovely they look all together, like a family should, they are indeed the perfect family.

I cannot help but to think back to my own childhood memories as I see the mother stand up to embrace her daughter with such warmth, and her daughter clutching at her arms as if afraid that she might let go. She is right to fear, for in a blink of an eye everything can change.

Colette, are you coming darling? My mother asks puzzled but always smiling.

Yes, mommy. I giggle, running into her open arms and she begins embracing me as if she will never let go. We laugh together before she pulls me away and looks at me, amused.

Now what have we here? She raises an eyebrow, studying my guilty face. My cheeks run hot and I know I am caught.

But mommy it so pretty, on you.... I hesitate looking down at my shoes as if they were the most fascinating thing. Me wanted to look...butiful like mommy. I look up to see her grinning from ear to ear and look back down quickly. I'm swaawy.

Why would you be sorry darling? She asks amused, once again. I look up to see her face and giggle when she embraces me yet again but this time, also kissing my cheek and laughing when I shriek happily in protest.

Mommy! I whine while laughing, putting my little hands on her cheek to try and stop her, although she only laughs harder when I do not succeed. She pulls back once again with a smile that lights the room and tells me. You can where this whenever you like, in fact it is yours. Her smile was something I always needed, something that kept me warm on the coldest of days. Her smile was the light to my sky, the sun to my earth, and now my world is dark.

Really? I ask bewildered. She leans into me placing her cheek on my own, placing her mouth close to my ear and whispers. You are the only person in the entire world that I would let have this, because you are my little girl and the only person I love. I could feel her smiling against my cheek. I love you Colette, forever and always. Do not ever forget that. She tells me firmly.

Never. I smile and kiss her on the cheek. Love you too mommy. I whisper. She marvels at me for a couple moments and then takes my hand as we step out the door.

LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT in just a few short weeks my life would change forever.

A tear slides down my face at the memory of my mother. I can still feel her warmth from those embraces, still hear her laughter ringing in my ear and I can still see the light she illuminated with every smile. This is the best memory I have of her and the only time I remember feeling so happy. I shake myself feeling drained and quickly rub the tear that I so carelessly let fall. How could I allow myself a moment of weakness like that?

I look down to see the only thing I have left of my mothers. The ring my father gave to her when he asked for her hand in marriage, on a chain around my neck. It is no fancy ring, plain yet beautifully stunning. It is a thin, metallic band with a small, round purple crystal in the center that catches the suns light and shimmers in every angle.

I have never known my father; he died when I was very young. But I know from what I can remember my mother telling me, he was stunningly handsome and was the kindest, noblest man a person could ever meet.

How I wish things could be different. I sigh before quickly shaking my head, realizing these kinds of thoughts are what got me to shed a tear in the first place.

No more and not ever again. I cannot afford any type of weakness, not if I want to survive. In my world if you let your guard down for an instant, if you succumb to weakness for only a moment you are dead. Only the strong survive out here in this world...not in that world.

I glance one last time at the perfect little family before grabbing the leftover bread they threw and the bones I had licked clean.

I will survive, not live.

I will not succumb to weakness.

I will and I must be strong.

This is my vow, the promise I have kept for so many years. This is my curse, but my only honour, for what would I be, if I turned my back on the only person who has ever loved me? Bravery is a wicked, twisted thing, which fuels only my existence.

Roses

Orange and pink fill the sky as the sun begins to fade away, and with it taking every shred of light. As it slowly disappears darkness quickly replaces it, consuming the land with its nothingness. However, the sky never leaves us completely helpless, allowing some light to illuminate our dark world, my dark world. The moon and the stars shine brightly, gleaming and radiating light for all to see. Their light is all I need, for my senses are better than most. Unlike the people here who quickly hide in their homes out of fear of the darkness, I relish it.

They quiver in fear, hating that they can see nothing in the dark and scared of what might be lurking within it. I admit Maythor is a dangerous place; nothing like it once was when I was a child. Thieves, slave traders, orphans, and criminals alike live here. We are all outcasts from our kingdom; we are the disgrace of the kingdom. Maythor is a place people say in fear.

However, Maythor is my home and darkness is comfortable for me, and for the most part I rather enjoy it because it allows me to go where I please, without being seen. When I was younger I would use this advantage to steal from merchants and wealthy people alike; I would use darkness to hide from the slave traders who continuously tried to kidnap me. Now, the darkness allows me to travel home without other peasants and orphans like myself to follow me.

If they were to ever discover my home, my sanction, I would be ruined. They would never leave and I would be forced to find a different place to call home.

It is my home after all and no one else's. I deserve it after all of these years and there is no way I will ever give it up now.

At last I smile, having confidence in my skills and in myself. I am far too skilled to be fooled by anyone, or followed by anyone. I have nothing to fear.

Even now, no one can hear me running and jumping on to their homes. They are oblivious to their surroundings, never paying attention to detail no matter how small. Then they have the nerve to wonder how it was ever possible that someone could have stolen from them. I push off from the roof as my muscles prepare for the descent with grace. I land on the ground with ease, as always.

I begin running lightly, wanting nothing more than to go home. After all these years, my home is the only place I have ever felt safe. Some may find that silly, after all, I live in the forest, surrounded by wild animals. However, I would choose those animals over the beasts that call themselves human any day. People are the real savages, the monsters of the world.

Before entering the forest, my home, I ensure I am not being followed. I ensure my survival by avoiding people; this is how I live, alone, well almost alone. I enter without fear, feeling utterly calm.

A person could easily get lost in this forest. There are no paths, and to a stranger everything would look the same, no distinct landmarks. However, as always people never pay any attention to detail. They are always so blind to their surroundings but to me everything is distinctly different and I know my way around this forest like the back of my hand. I know every tree, every bush, rock, as if we are old friends. In a way we are, this forest is my family and my home, the few things that mean something dearly to me.

Looking up at the dark sky covered with millions of glowing stars, I realize that I am in fact late. She will be waiting for me, worried of course. I hurry towards the large river in the forest, needing to reach home before I send her into a panic.

I quickly break into a run, wanting to be safe rather than sorry. At last I make it to the river, happy to see it for it is almost like the walkway to my home.

It really is beautiful. I sigh, looking down at the river as the water rushes past me. The sound of the gurgling river flows through me, filling me with peace while forcing all of my worries out of my mind, at least for the moment.

At last, my home comes into view, welcoming me as always. Acting as my door, a single rose bush sits between two, very large oak trees. My home is found just beyond the rose bush, a perfect hiding spot, for if anyone came close to the river from a far my entrance would simply seem as part of the forest, not realizing someone actually lives beyond that point. I can stay out of peering eyes here, always alone, well almost. I smirk at the thought, while pausing in front of the rose bush, afraid of the consequences I have to face for being late.

Come on Colette, pull yourself together. What is the worst that can happen? Be brave, Colette I let out a breath. Be brave. I nod my head as if trying to convince myself when a loud howl breaks the silence of the forest.

I gasp as a huge wolf jumps over the rose bush, landing directly over top of me and knocking me down to the forest floor. The wolf continues to growl while pinning its ears and baring its teeth, immediately sending a shiver of fear down my back.

I look around me, then into the wolf's eyes, trying to decipher what I can do.

I am sorry. Alright, I am sorry. I beg the wolf but the growling only grows louder while the wolf continues to bare its teeth at me. Fine, I am sorry for being late, Roses. I am terribly sorry, it will not happen again, I promise. I blurt and almost instantly the growling ceases, replaced with wet kisses all over my face. Roses stop. I laugh, as she continues to lick every inch of my face as if determined to get me soaking wet. Roses, you are impossible. I tell her; however she continues to kiss me, leaving me questioning why she persists on showing me how much she cares. After all, I already apologized for being late, what more could she want?

I roll my eyes as the obvious answer suddenly dawns on me.

I love you too Roses. I exclaim and immediately she bounces off of me and begins barking, telling me that she loves me too. Without a moment's hesitation she starts running around the oak trees with the excitement and the energy of a pup, reminding of when I first found her five years ago.

IT IS RAINING AGAIN, as usual. It always seems to be raining and of course the rain is always freezing cold as if trying to mock me. Is it not bad enough that I am by myself, always alone and hungry that the weather has to be against me as well?

Does no one love me? I ask, quickly realizing the answer. No, no one does love me and no one would care if I die. I could drown myself in the river and no one would ever know and if they did they would simply think poor girl and move on. I look behind my shoulder back to the river, intrigued by the idea. I could do it; I know it would be a moment of pain but afterwards, peace and joy. I could be happy again, I could live without any worry at all, and heaven would be so nice. Although, would God even want me?

I doubt very much that he would. He proves that by sending me this horrible weather, punishing me for, something. I am not certain what I did however; it is obvious that he does not like me at all. He would probably close the heaven gates; he would never allow me to live a life of eternal peace.

No, that would be far too nice. He would rather send me to hell along with all the other people he hates or the people who have sinned.

At least I will not be alone. I sigh hopefully to myself as I sit down at the edge of the river readying myself to slide down into the freezing water. Be brave, you can do this. Be brave Colette. I close my eyes while hugging myself, thinking only of the outcome this will bring me. I begin pushing myself off the ledge, preparing myself for the harsh river waters when out of nowhere a yelp breaks through the wind. What was...? I try to say but am cut off by another yelp, followed by whining.

Something out there is hurting.

This is going to have to wait. I whisper to myself as I rise to my feet and move away from the river. Looking up at the grey cloudy sky, the urge to scream and yell crawls into my mind, desperately wanting all of this pain and frustration to end.

Do you hate me this much, that you will not allow me to die so that I may never be alone again? I scream, allowing tears to stream down my face, when suddenly another yelp snaps my head back towards a rose bush. I rub my tears away still feeling hurt and sad but also a little angry that I allowed myself to become so emotional. I look back to the river feeling the sting on my face with every freezing rain drop as it hits my skin. Another yelp followed again by more whining slices through the storm as I whip my head around, facing the source of the sound.

Walking towards the sound, curious of what could be making so much noise, I peer into the rose bush completely take in back. I reach into it, completely ignoring the fact that my hands are being cut, sliced, and pocked by thorns. I grab the small animal shielding it from the thorns while I bring it out from the bush.

With my hands covered in my own blood, I realize why the poor animal was yelping, it was in pain. I open my hands to look at the animal, to see a small pup, a wolf none the less. Its grey, black fur and white paws stained with blood from the cuts it had received from the thorns.

I turn the pup in my hands to look at its face, only to be shocked when I see the pup looking at me wide-eyed. We continue to stare into each other's eyes, studying one another as if we could read minds. However, as I look into the wolf's eyes all I can see is fear, realizing that the pup is as afraid, hurt, and alone as I. All it wants is to be loved and cared for as I do. It simply does not want to be...alone anymore. I hesitate on that thought, trying not to allow that simple word to hurt me as I look deeper into the pup's eyes, so blue and mesmerizing.

It begins to whine once more, however I quickly cut it off. Shh, it is alright little one, do not cry. I will take care of you. I smile, everything will be fine, I promise. I whisper, before cradling the pup in my arms. I turn around to face the river once again but this time my skin caresses each drop of rain that hits it, loving the warmth each drop leaves.

I smile and look down at the soon to be sleeping pup. There you go, I smile, go to sleep... I glance to the rose bush and grin. Roses. I name her with a smile like my mothers. I will never let anything bad happen to you, I promise.

I smile at the beautiful touching memory that saved my life.

And I have kept my promise; I never let anything bad happen to you. I whisper to myself feeling proud for keeping that vow.

Would you stop already, you are making me dizzy. I laugh as I watch her go round and round in circles. I brought you something to eat. I bribe her and immediately I get the response I was looking for. Roses stops running and sits directly in front of me, trying to look as cute as possible. I shake my head back and forth tossing her the bones I gathered and leftover bread; however she only looks at it, than at me unappealingly.

What?I ask her confused but she simply leaves and walks behind the rose bush, forcing my jaw to drop open. Really, that is the thanks I get for bringing you something? Unbelievable. I shake my head in denial.

Determined to get to the bottom of this I walk behind the trees to see her with a rabbit in her mouth at the edge of my fire pit. Guilt and pride wash through me, one like a flame burning every inch of me, while the other like water cooling me down as I am unable to express myself. She truly is amazing, I think to myself, looking at her dazed. I could not have asked for a better companion.

Home

Iwake with a smile on my face, feeling the familiar sensation of fur beneath my fingers and the rising and descending stomach beneath my head. Smelling the sweet scent of dew and of oak trees but also the earth and fresh water from the river with every breath I take. Feeling a new sensation of comfort from my stomach as it still welcomes the unusual surplus of food from last night.

Once again, like every morning I hear the chirping of birds and the rustling of grass beneath every animal that moves. I hear the flow of the river and every splash made by every fish, while also hearing the rustling of tree branches and its leaves with every gust of wind. Although, mostly only hearing Roses and her loud snoring.

Quickly, I sneak a peek at her through one eye as an idea dawns on me before rapidly closing it as she tosses her head. I sneak a peek at her once again realizing she is still fast asleep.

Looking at her once more, I decide it is safe to get up without her hearing. Softly and quietly I remove my head from her stomach, carefully watching her with my every movement.

Slowly, I lift myself off of her into a sitting position and luckily for me she still has not moved. Crouching down and slowly lifting myself off the ground yet still watching her I manage to stand up. Without a moment's hesitation I go on with my plan yelling as loud as possible Boo! Roses immediately wakes, placing herself into a protective stance, pinning her ears, growling and bearing her teeth.

I begin to laugh hysterically before collapsing to the ground. It was only me. I exclaim while rolling with laughter but she only huffs at me, making me laugh even harder.

She begins walking away from me, showing me her lovely back side.

Oh, Roses do not be like that. I tell her, however she continues to keep walking away as if I were nonexistent.You are being ridiculous Roses. I say to her as I get up and place my hands on my hips but she continues to walk away from me, until disappearing through a bush.

I roll my eyes while laughing to myself, knowing she will return, I turn around to face my home. Although, it is not a real home, one with four walls and a roof made by man, it is still home.

The trees are my walls instead, giving me protection from the wind and any kind of weather. They surround me in a large clearing of moss, grass and lovely flowers, a meadow one could say. The trees seem to stay in line with each other, forming a perfect circle. I twirl around trying to see any imperfections, although already knowing I would not find any. It truly is beautiful. I sigh, enjoying the view.

Looking up at the leaves and branches, seeing what would be someone's home, a roof, walls, and ceiling; however this functions just the same. It protects me from the rain and harsh sun, allowing me to stay cool and dry. Who would need to build themselves walls, ceilings and roof when you can simply walk out into a forest to find that same protection and comfort.

Looking around, as if seeing my home for the first time I draw a deep long breath. Seeing several blankets I once stole scattered on the ground near a tree where not five minutes ago Roses and I were sleeping. Seeing a circle of stones in the center of the meadow with nothing but ashes found in the middle of it, as my fire pit. Seeing a dwindling stack of branches and wood near a tree, I fight back the urge to cry as I see how little I truly have, while trying to think of how much I do have in a much more profound way compared to so many others.

My home may not be fancy, spectacular or anything anyone would be proud to have. It is no house, it is not elegant or sufficient, but it is a place of safety and of pleasant memories all the same. This place can outshine anyone's home on any day even the king's palace because no one could feel more strongly for a place, for a home than I.

When a person has nothing, they fight for everything; they make certain that whatever makes their grasps never leaves. However, people who have everything fight for nothing, always wanting more, reaching, and grasping at thin air. Not caring about anything or anyone, just like the king, queen and their son.

Those ridiculous hypocrites. I snarl. They are always speaking of justice, fairness and saying how they only want the best for their kingdom and people.

However, once again it seems to only be me who does not cheer every time these announcements are made. It seems to be only and always me who notices any kind of detail what so ever.

It is their land and their people, clearly stating that we are theirs and that we belong to them.

I belong to no one. I am no one's property and if they care so much about their people, if they care so much about me, than why am I still living in a forest? Why have I gone my entire life as an orphan, almost a year ago becoming an adult, still poor and almost always hungry?

I know why, I know the answer when everyone else still does not know the very question. It is because they are liars, and they do not care about us, their people, or me. They only care about power, more suffering and more land. One day, I will make them pay, I will make them suffer and will hear as they beg for mercy but shall give them none. If they did not care about me, why should I care about them?

They know about people like me, about our existence. There are thousands of us and yet they do nothing. In my eyes, my king, my queen and my prince that continue to so carelessly rule are just as guilty as the man that murdered my mother.

Thirteen and half years earlier, at the age of 5

Colette darling, please stop playing with that and come over here next to your mother. My mother tells me firmly as she picks up an apple from the man's basket. Immediately dropping the wooden horse I was playing with I run over to my mother wondering how she knew what I was doing when her back was towards me the entire time.These look absolutely delicious Robert. I hear my mother say as I come to stand next to her. You must be so pleased with this year's season. She smiles while smelling the apple.

Oh, yes. This season has been good to me. Everything just seems to be going perfect. He says with a cold smile. Business could not be better. He frowns through his lie but my mother does not seem to notice. She only continues to look at the apples as she picks the best ones, a rather difficult task. All of his apples seem over ripe, hardly a single decent one to be chosen.

That is wonderful, I am so glad. She grins. How is your wife, and your four children? I hear they are a handful. She laughs lightly while peering at the apples.

Yes... He sighs, half smiling as if he were thinking of them. They love to keep busy and they never seem to get tired. I have no idea where they get the energy from. He forces a laugh. But how about your young girl, I hear she turned five just a few months ago. He says bringing his attention towards me. June....hmmm? He ponders, June 17? He asks while looking at me, making eye contact for the first time.

His eyes are black and cold, with no kind of happiness to be found within them. They are so dark that I cannot tell the iris from the pupils. At church the Priest told me that the eyes are the window to the soul. If that is the case this man is a demon, evil or for the lack of better words not nice.

He keeps his eyes locked on mine as if trying to read my thoughts as I continue to be silent. I quickly move closer to my mother, hugging her leg as if I was a knight and she my shield, protecting me from my enemy.

My mother immediately breaks the silence with her laughter, forcing the man to break our eye contact.

Yes, She smiles, holding back a laugh. Her birthday was on June 17. I am surprised you remembered. She expressed joyfully while he simply forces a fake smile and looks back down at me. I turn my head quickly, not wanting to have to look at him once again.

Oh, I am sorry. I have no idea what has gotten in to her, she is not normally shy. My mother explains sympathetically, looking down at me.

How can she not know? How can she not see that, this man is evil, that he is not a nice man? She has to see that his eyes are black, that his eyes are filled with the sins he has committed.

I tug on my mother's arm trying to tell her, trying to warn her about this man but she only tells me to stop, not tacking the time to listen to me as she continues to speak with him.

I look back to the man seeing a snarl when I should see a smile, seeing the face of a traitor when I should see the face of a friend and seeing a monster when I should see a man.

May I bring this home for you? He asks my mother with a pleasant smile, indicating to her not quite delicious apples.

Why thank you Robert. She grin's from ear to ear as I begin to shake my head in protest but it is too late. My mother grabs my hand as she begins leading the way home, followed by the man Robert.

I walk in silence, listening to my mother's conversation with this man Robert and within ten minutes we are home. I run up to the door quickly, wanting to get as far away from the man as possible but my mother stops and turns to speak with him.

The man looks around cautiously with an evil in his eyes, as if trying to see if anyone else is around before facing my mother.

Is something the matter? My mother asks worried. However, there is more than fear in her voice, a confidence of a mother, and an acceptance of fate.

I need it, Emma. I need all of it. I am desperate, and if I do not get it I could lose everything. He says shamefully, keeping his head towards the ground.

What is it, Robert? Are you in trouble? She asks concerned placing her hand on his arm but he shakes it off violently. Stepping back my mother begins to speak, You know I would help you, no matter what the situation. However, this only seems to make him more angry and unstable. She continues to step back as she waves for me to leave discreetly, but I do not budge, I cannot move.

You once told me that if anything where to happen to you, you would want me take care of your daughter and to take care of all your things and wealth until she came of age. He spoke every word no louder than a whisper but filled with anger, and regret.

Yes... My mother hesitates unsure of what to say.

I told you of course....but I...cannot. I need it far too much Emma. My wife is expecting another child. We cannot even feed the children we have, and our house is too small for any more. He lifts his head, revealing the desperation on his face. My mother quickly steps back in alarm and realization spreads across her face.

Robert there is another way; you do not have to do this. I can help you. She pleads taking another step back and I know she can finally see the evil that lurks inside him and see the darkness in his eyes.

The man digs his hand into the bag of apples revealing a dagger. He allows the bag to fall while purposely taking a step closer to my mother as the apples spread and roll everywhere around them.

"No Emma, there is no other way. I need this and I want this, it is my turn now to have everything and you nothing. I want power and wealth, and no one is going to stop me, especially not some widow and her daughter. He says coldly, taking more persistent steps towards my mother as he crushes an apple beneath his foot.

My mother whip's around quickly, searching for my eyes and yells, Colette run!

She turns back around to face the man once again, not realizing how close he already was.

The man thrusts his arm forward to my mother's chest and with a gasp she falls.

I run as quickly as possible towards my mother, finally able to move before seeing the fabric from her dress at her chest soaked with blood. She groans in agony as I kneel beside her, feeling my eyes sting as they fill with tears.

Mommy! I sob letting tears flow down my cheeks.

Shhh! It is alright, honey. She whispers lightly, pressing her bloody hand against my own.

Mommy no! I cry, unsure if my words are even coherent.

I love you Colette. She tries to smile through bloody teeth but fails.

No, no. I beg her as I continue to sob.

Shh! Be brave Colette, be brave. She whispers while wiping away one of my tears until her hand goes limp and falls to her side.

No! I scream grabbing my mother's already stiff bloody hand. No mommy! I wale feeling the tears run down my cheeks faster as my vision blurs.

Run. The man orders me. I look up surprised to see him still standing there; he was so quiet I thought he had left. He looks at me with an unreadable expression and tells me coldly. Run or die.

I look back to my mother taking in all her features for the last time. Her fine dark hair, matted on the ground beneath her. Her glistening green eyes once filled with such life, like the green on a leaf is now as dead as a fallen one. Her once fair skin now paler than a ghost and her lips no longer the color of red but as grey as ash.

I look back to the man yelling as loud as possible as tears still seem to escape my eyes. You are a bad man and God will punish you for taking away my mommy. One day you are going to be sawwy! I let out a desperate cry of revenge through tears of pain.

His face hardens immediately, griping the bloody dagger as if anchoring him to reality. He begins to crouch down in front of me but I spring to my feet before running towards the place I now know as home.

The memory catches me by surprise as I hold back the tears that need, that demand to reveal themselves. However, I will not and cannot allow them to show. I will not show weakness, I will only show strength, like she asked of me.

Be brave Colette...be brave. I whisper the words as if it would hurt any less.

I clutch at my scalp, desperately trying to shake off the horrible memory, trying to control myself.

I run hopelessly to the river, wanting to be rid of my horrific past. Kneeling at the edge I reach down while cupping my hands to bring up fresh water and splash it in my face.

The cold water instantly stings every inch of my skin as the water drips down my cheeks and falls from my chin. The droplets of water slowly drizzle down into the river, making small ripples and blurring my reflection.

Slowly the water calms and my reflection clear's. Looking down at my reflection and my reflection looking up at me, I see nothing unusual. Seeing only the perfect image of my mother and as I tilt my head, so does she. If only she were truly here.

I look just like her, from what I can remember. Fair skinned, fine dark hair, although not silky from my harsh life style, glistening green eyes filled with the life of