"But Yaya, why are you telling me this story?" Mimi asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Her wide, inquisitive eyes locked onto Amaya's face, waiting for an explanation.
Looking at her, Amaya's gaze softened, though her eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—concern, hesitation, and perhaps a hint of something deeper
Taking a moment, she finally spoke in a cautious tone, "It's something related to us." Her words hung in the air, as though she were testing Mimi's reaction.
"The rabbit you saw earlier—it's called a spiritual pet. The people of Heaven usually have them as their loyal companions," Amaya explained, keeping her voice steady.
Mimi's eyes went wide as the information sank in. Her jaw dropped slightly, and she stammered, "That-that rabbit... was it magical?"
Amaya couldn't help but laugh at her reaction, her gentle chuckle filling the room. "Yes, you could call it a magical animal," she replied, affectionately ruffling Mimi's hair.
"But why was it here? Shouldn't it be in Heaven?" Mimi asked, her curiosity bubbling over.
Amaya's smile faded slightly as her tone turned serious. "You're right—it should be in Heaven, not here. And the reason we're having this talk is because of this."
Mimi's eyes widened further, her interest piqued.
Amaya's gaze grew more intense. "Fairies and other creatures can travel through all three worlds using magical gates called portals. That rabbit you saw—it came here with its master, through one of these portals."Her voice was calm, but the weight of her words was heavy.
" You mean to say there was a fairy last night here?" Mimi stood up as she realised what aunt was saying.
"You mean to say there was a fairy here last night?" Mimi exclaimed, standing up abruptly as she processed her aunt's words.
"No fairy, but fairies," Amaya corrected, her voice calm yet grave. She paused, locking eyes with Mimi, as though preparing her for what was coming next. "They were here—" She hesitated again, her voice dropping slightly, "to take you away."
Mimi's face froze in shock, her mind struggling to comprehend what she was hearing. "Me? What?... What are you saying? Why would they want to take me away?" Her voice was high-pitched, a mix of disbelief and confusion.
Amaya knelt slightly to meet her niece's panicked gaze. "You are special, my sweetheart. There is something in you that everyone wants—something they believe is worth taking you for." Her words were measured, cautious. She didn't want to overwhelm Mimi with too much information too quickly.
Mimi blinked, trying to make sense of Amaya's cryptic explanation. "I don't get it, Yaya. How am I special? I'm not even good at anything. Sana is better than me at studies," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. She racked her brain, trying to figure out what kind of "special" her aunt could possibly mean. Apart from eating delicious food and playing with kids, she couldn't think of anything remotely extraordinary about herself.
Amaya laughed softly at Mimi's confused expression, a tender smile playing on her lips. "Not being good at everything doesn't mean you're not special," she said gently.
Standing up, Amaya held out her hand. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
Mimi hesitated for a moment before slipping her small hand into Amaya's. Together, they walked out into the yard, the cool evening breeze brushing past them. Amaya stopped near the tall, old tree that stood at the edge of their garden.
"Go and climb that tree," Amaya said suddenly, her voice firm yet encouraging.
"What?!" Mimi asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "Why? Why should I climb the tree?"
"Just do as I say," Amaya replied calmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Trust me."
Still puzzled, Mimi looked at her aunt, trying to gauge her intentions. Though unsure, she decided to comply. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the tree and began to climb, her small hands gripping the sturdy branches as she moved upward.
Reaching the top, Mimi shouted, "Yaya, what now?" She perched on a sturdy branch, her voice echoing slightly in the open air.
Amaya looked up at her with calm, steady eyes, a faint smile on her lips. Suddenly, she flicked her fingers, and a small golden light shot toward Mimi. The glowing orb struck with great force.
Startled, Mimi lost her balance and screamed as she started falling from the tree. But instead of hitting the ground, she found herself surrounded by a huge, shimmering golden bubble. Slowly and gently, the bubble lowered her to the ground. She landed softly, her heart pounding, her body frozen in shock.
Stunned, Mimi looked around in disbelief, her gaze eventually falling on Amaya, who stood as calm as ever, unmoved by the spectacle. It was as if she had anticipated everything.
"Yaya?" Mimi whispered, her voice trembling.
Amaya walked toward her, her face serene. With one swift motion of her hand, the golden bubble disappeared, leaving Mimi staring in awe.
"What...what was that?" Mimi asked, her voice still dazed and shaky.
"A little example of how special our Mimi is," Amaya replied gently. She gestured for Mimi to sit down. "Sit, my sweetheart. I know it's a lot to process, and it must be overwhelming. But if it weren't for last night..." Amaya paused, her eyes shadowed with seriousness, leaving her sentence unfinished.
Mimi stared at her aunt, her heart pounding. "Yaya, I don't understand. What are you saying? What happened last night?"
Amaya sighed deeply, her gaze softening. "I know you have questions, Mimi, and I know this is a lot to take in at once. But trust me, okay? Trust that I'll guide you through all of this."
Mimi nodded hesitantly, her confusion evident.
"I will tell you everything," Amaya promised, "but not all at once. For now, I want you to know something about yourself." She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Mimi's ear. "You are my precious sweetheart, Mimi, and you happen to be born in the magical world I told you about earlier—the one you know as Hell."
Mimi's eyes widened in shock, her body stiffening. "But, Yaya..." she stammered, trying to speak, but Amaya gently interrupted her.
"Listen to me first," Amaya said firmly, her voice steady. "You've heard the story about how we came to live here, haven't you?"
Mimi nodded, her mind racing.
"In that story," Amaya continued, her voice softer now, "I never told you the full truth. We weren't just traveling between cities or countries, Mimi. We were traveling between worlds."
Amaya paused, her words sinking into the air like heavy stones, leaving Mimi utterly stunned.