RONA'S POINT OF VIEW
We went to a park near our house. As usual, it was just the four of us—Father, Mother, Rhein, and me.
"Sister, you're it!" Rhein called out, inviting me to a game of tag.
I gave her a sharp look, annoyed after feeling a sudden pinch on my waist. "I'm not in the mood to play."
"Come on, Sister. Just one game. If you don't play with me, you're ugly," she added, even rolling her eyes for extra effect.
I ignored her taunt. She couldn't get under my skin that easily. "No."
"Please?" she said with a dramatic pout. Seriously?
I sighed. If I didn't give in, she'd probably tattle on me later. "Fine. You're it!" I tapped her shoulder and took off running. She squealed and chased after me.
"Kids, come eat! That's enough running around!" Mother's voice called out from where she was setting up the food.
"Yes, Mother!" I replied. "Rhein, come on."
"I still want to play. I'm not hungry yet," she whined.
"Okay, but if you don't eat, worms will poke holes in your tummy."
She wrinkled her nose. "Sister, that's disgusting."
I laughed. "You talk too much. Let's go."
I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward Mother. She followed without resisting.
"Sit there," Father said, pointing to the bench across from them.
"Yes, Father!"
The food was already laid out. I reached for a dish, but before I could grab anything, Rhein smacked my hand—hard.
"Ow! What's your problem?" I glared at her.
"Nothing," she muttered, as if nothing had happened.
What was that about?
That afternoon, we went home. We had dinner and prepared for bed.
After showering and changing into my pajamas, I walked into our shared bedroom and found Rhein sitting on the bed.
There were only two bedrooms in the house—one for our parents, and one for the two of us.
Rhein scooted closer to me as I sat down.
"Sister, tell me a bedtime story. Please?"
"No."
She huffed and flopped onto the mattress like it was the end of the world. "So that's how it is. You're mean. Bad."
What a brat. At this rate, I might grow old faster because of her. She never gives up, even though I always say no.
I lay down without another word. She turned her back to me and, before long, drifted off to sleep. I soon followed.
I was awakened by someone shaking my shoulder. I blinked, groggy—only to see Rhein's face streaked with tears.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
She didn't answer. Her sobs grew louder—and that's when I smelled it. Smoke. Fear instantly gripped my chest.
"S-Sister... our house... i-it's on fire—"
I bolted upright. "Hurry, Rhein!"
I grabbed her hand and we ran out of the room, then out of the house.
Once we were outside, Rhein collapsed onto the pavement, sobbing uncontrollably.
Thankfully, the hallway we passed through wasn't yet swallowed by flames. But the heat and smoke were already spreading fast.
I pulled out my phone and dialed the fire department. A few minutes later, they arrived, rushing to put out the blaze.
But—
Something was wrong.
Wait.
Where are—
"Father… Mother…"
They were still inside.
No. No, no, no—
I sprinted toward the house, but a firefighter grabbed me before I could get close.
"Let me go!" I shouted, struggling, but it was no use. I couldn't do anything. I could only cry.
Rhein ran to me and wrapped her arms around me tightly.
"Mother! Father!"
What's going to happen to us now?
We were just kids when that incident happened. Now, we've grown up.
I'm working as a secretary at a company, while Rhein is currently a Grade 11 student at Gonzales University. Thanks to a relative who helped us get back on our feet, I've managed to build a home for the two of us—a simple, peaceful life.
I had just finished getting ready for work, but Rhein still hadn't come out of her room.
"Why isn't she up yet? It's already late."
I walked to her door and pushed it open, only to find her sprawled across the bed, sleeping soundly. Her blanket was wrapped tightly around her like a cocoon. With a sigh, I pulled it off.
"Rhein, wake up. It's late. You're going to be late," I said firmly.
She jolted up and rushed to gather her things. Within moments, she was in the shower, then out the door—off to school without breakfast, and without so much as a goodbye. At this rate, she might outrun lightning.
Still, I'm thankful. We were given a second chance. If not for the help we received, we wouldn't be where we are now.
I smiled briefly, then grabbed my bag from the room. After locking the door and closing the gate, I headed out.
As I walked, memories from the past resurfaced.
According to the police report, a woman had been spotted standing in front of our house shortly before the incident.
That was all Rhein was told—and for now, that's all she believes about our past.
But one day, she'll learn the truth. That day is coming. Soon. Just a little longer.
It still feels like yesterday—that moment when everything I believed about our lives shattered. It was on my eighteenth birthday when I learned the truth about who I really am.
Something landed on my right shoulder. It was Natre—my pracien. A small green bird. I still don't know what kind of bird she is… and neither does she.
"Good morning!" she chirped.
"Morning to you too," I replied.
The streets were empty, so I didn't mind talking to her openly. No one would think I was crazy.
"Did you eat the food I left by the window?" I asked with a smile.
"Yes! But I want toasted bread with honey tomorrow!" she squeaked.
I chuckled at how high-pitched her voice was. "Alright. Just make sure you keep an eye on Rhein, okay?"
"Roger that, Princess!" And with that, she flapped her tiny wings and took off to follow my sister.
I continued on my way, but stopped abruptly when I noticed a man staring in my direction from across the street.
Something about him felt off.
I approached, cautious—but the moment I got close, he bolted into a dark alley.
I didn't hesitate. I teleported ahead of him and materialized a sword of light, the blade pointed straight at his neck.
"Who the hell are you?" I demanded.
But instead of panicking, he laughed.
"Relax, Princess." He removed his black cap and face mask, revealing his face. "Your parents sent me."