I Remember

• Raisa Tariq, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2018

"Huh!", my gasp is cut half way as I feel a frigid, cool hand cover my mouth tightly, trying to block the air that was exiting from my mouth. For a moment, I hold my breath. I thought that was the end. The end of what I had been through, what everyone had been through. I thought I could finally rest in peace. Just as all these thoughts possess my mind, I remember what had happened. I try to see what's behind me but the hand pulls tighter against my jaws. I feel as though my jaw could break and shatter into a million pieces just like glass. I don't know where I am or who is behind me, but I do remember one thing. I remember the screams of the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. I remember the cries of the starved children and the voices of the men who died protecting not only us but our faith. i remember witnessing my grandfather on his death bed. he wasn't only fighting for us but he fought against death. I remember the loudness of the bombs and the redness of the place. i remember the field covered in blood of the innocent, tears of the disheartened and the sweat of the soldiers. I remember my mother hugging me tight and telling me repeatedly that we would be ok. I remember her sweet and calming voice that told my heart to not give up. I thought we would never make it. But I still remember praying so hard that my own thoughts would turn out to be lies. I remember my father fighting to protect us, as he entered the danger zone. I knew I would never see him after that. I knew. I lost everyone. I remember it. I remember it all so clear. Just as a tear rolls down my cheeks, I feel the hand slowly releasing itself. I instantly move my jaw as it feels paralysed. I turn around slowly. slowly, because I know this is the end. end of all my suffering and I can finally reunite with my loved ones. I would remember who set me free, even if it is my enemy. Just as free as a bird in the light blue sky, roaming through the clouds. I would remember. I remember.