Dream Ripples on the stream so bright,Hazel's beauty shines with delight.The warm sunlight danced across the gentle ripples of the stream, casting a serene ambiance over the gathering of young women. Hazel, with her striking dark hair and captivating beauty, stood out among her friends as they chatted and laughed together.
The melody of their voices blended with the soothing sounds of the stream, creating a sense of tranquility.In this secluded haven, reserved strictly for women, Hazel and her friends had grown together, sharing countless moments of joy and camaraderie.
As they bathed and played in the stream, their bond grew stronger,forged by the carefree days of their youth.Among the group, Hazel and Lily stood out as inseparable best friends. Their connection was deep and unbreakable, a testament to the countless memories they had shared.
Together, they had grown into beautiful young women, but Hazel's extraordinary beauty and raven-black hair set her apart, making her a vision to behold.Lily splashed water on Hazel, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You look stunning this morning, Hazel. More than usual!"Hazel chuckled, returning the splash.
"You're flattering me again, Lily. Thank you, though.You look lovely yourself."The two friends giggled, their laughter carrying across the stream. Lily's expression turned dreamy, her voice filled with longing.
"Oh, to be loved... to be swept off my feet by a Prince Charming."Hazel teased, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, to be loved... by a monster, a big, gentle monster with a heart just for me."Lily's eyes widened in surprise, her voice filled with concern.
"Hazel, I don't think you'd really want that. A Prince Charming would be perfect for you."Hazel shrugged, swimming effortlessly through the water. "It's not so bad to be loved by a monster... as long as he's kind."Lily's expression turned serious, her voice laced with concern.
"Hazel, you know what's at stake for us now that we're 20. The village elders may think the monsters won't show up, but I'm not so sure. The thought of it terrifies me." She shuddered, her eyes clouding with fear.
Hazel tried to reassure her, "Don't worry, Lily. Let's trust the elders. I'm sure those monsters won't come again." She stepped out of the water, her brown skin glistening in the sunlight as she wrapped her hair in a towel.As they dressed, Lily's anxiety seemed to lift, replaced by a playful spark.
"Race you home!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.Hazel grinned, accepting the challenge. The two friends took off, racing each other home with laughter filled shouts, their worries momentarily forgotten.
The wind whipped through their hair as they ran, their feet pounding the earth in unison.As they approached their village, the thatched roofs of the huts came into view, smoke drifting lazily from the cooking fires.
The air was filled with the savory smells of roasting meats and baking bread.Hazel and Lily slowed to a stop, grinning at each other. "I won!" Hazel exclaimed, her chest heaving with exertion.Lily laughed, shaking her head. "No way! I totally beat you!"
Their friendly argument was interrupted by the sound of Hazel's mother calling out from their home "Lily, hazel you two come here and have breakfast before it gets cold"Hazel and Lily trundled into the house, their shoes squelching on the floor.
The aroma of their mother's cooking wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation. They dug in, savoring the flavors.
"You cook so well, Ma," Lily complimented, and Hazel's mom beamed with pride.After they finished eating, Lily bid Hazel farewell and headed home. Hazel settled into her favorite spot, surrounded by books.
She loved getting lost in stories and learning new things.As she read, the sound of raindrops pattering against the roof grew louder. The sky darkened, and the rain intensified. Hazel's mom grew anxious, her brow furrowed with worry.
"Oh Lord, please don't let it be our worst nightmare," she prayed softly, her eyes closed.Hazel noticed her mom's distress and closed her book.
"Mom, you need to calm down. I don't think anything's going to happen, okay?" she said, trying to reassure her.Hazel's mom took a deep breath and nodded, but her eyes still held a hint of concern.
Hazel smiled and opened her window, letting the cool breeze in. She watched the rain, mesmerized by the droplets sliding down the pane.The rhythmic sound of the rain was soothing, and Hazel felt her worries wash away. She breathed in deeply, feeling the fresh scent of the rain.As she stood there, lost in the moment, Hazel's mom whispered another silent prayer, hoping for the best.
Hazel drifted off to sleep, but her rest was short lived. A vivid and unsettling nightmare invaded her dreams, filling her mind with images of red blazing eyes and whispers of her name. The eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness, their fiery intensity making her skin crawl.She tossed and turned, her body drenched in sweat.
The whispers grew louder, more urgent, and Hazel felt a growing sense of discomfort. She tried to wake up, to shake off the grip of the nightmare, but it held her tight.The dream was both terrifying and mesmerizing, like a dark dance she couldn't look away from.
Hazel's heart pounded in her chest as the eyes drew closer, the whispers growing clearer. She felt like she was being pulled into a vortex, unable to escape.Time lost all meaning as she struggled to break free from the nightmare's grasp.
It felt like an eternity since she'd fallen asleep, and the dream seemed to stretch on forever. Finally, exhaustion took over, and Hazel succumbed to the darkness, falling into a deeper sleep.As she slept, the nightmare's hold on her began to loosen, and her body relaxed, her breathing slowing.
Though the dream's intensity had passed, its memory lingered, leaving Hazel with a sense of unease that would stay with her long after she woke up.Morning arrived, but the sky was shrouded in a thick, gray cloud cover, casting a dim light over the landscape.
Hazel frowned, feeling a sense of unease wash over her. She got out of bed and went to check on her mom, who was already standing by the window, her eyes fixed on the outside with a worried expression.
"Good morning, Mama," Hazel greeted her mom, trying to shake off the lingering fogginess of sleep. Her mom turned to her, her face etched with concern."Morning, my child," she responded, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.Hazel yawned and stretched, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from the restless night.
"I should go to the stream now, Mama," she said, turning to head out.But her mom grasped her hand, holding her back. "Not today, Hazel. I have a bad feeling," she said, her grip tight.Hazel raised an eyebrow, about to protest. "Mom, come on, there's not—"But she didn't get to finish her sentence.
Without warning, the world outside seemed to darken, as if the sun had been extinguished. The sky turned pitch black, and a powerful wind began to howl, causing the windows to rattle and the trees to creak.Hazel's face widened in fear as she stared out the window.
Her mom quickly closed it, her hands shaking slightly. "They're here," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.The air was electric with tension, and Hazel felt her heart racing in her chest. She looked at her mom, searching for answers, but her mom's face was set in a determined expression.