Manara was a lovely place. Full of vigor, innovation and growth. It was where people came and were in awe of its rapid and honest growth. Everyone worked hard, and was appreciated for their work and valued for their success. Failures weren't looked down upon but were a part of growth.
Yes, I lived here. I was a part of creating this world. It made me happy. My great grandfather was one of the first people who came here. The Council had one motive - 'to make a better world'.
After a past that had burnt most of the world, the Council came together to create a world far from everything and focussed on progress - in every aspect. My grandfather was one of the early architects of Manara. Everyone understood the concept - to make it a safer world.
Most of the people who came here had stories of war or horror that they were a part of. History was taught well. And it was gruesome. We learnt how a well functioning world was broken by war. And, Manara meant healing. We understood that. The societal structure was deeply democratic yet respectful. And while over-achievers were celebrated, it was never to the level that they became the highest power holders. Nonviolence was practiced yet we all learnt martial arts and skills to defend ourselves.
For me, the architecture was the most beautiful part of Manara. Kids were taught sustainability at an early age. Sunlight was a source of energy. And energy was conserved. Flora and fauna of the land was a part of our childhood and daily life. It is amazing how even animals respect boundaries when one respects their space. If you never instigate them, they won't retaliate! Every house had trees and plants. It was so colorful. We had many waterfalls, rivers. And, I knew every nook and cranny of this wonderful little world we called home. And unfortunately, the horrors that lived beyond.
I think being the products of war and brutality, we knew what it meant to value peace, stability, security and safety. So when this healer said that I was "safe". I knew she meant it! Where was she anyway? It was atleast three days since I had seen her.
My ribs hurt too much, that I knew I needed to heal before I went back to fight. How I hated knowing this is what it had come down to. A fight. A war. Everything we were taught to avoid. And, as a person who never prayed. I pray with every fiber in me that Laila was fine and "safe".
The nurse who saw me awake was smiled too quickly.
"Oh, seeing you awake makes me so happy.", she exclaimed.
Nope. Liar.
She was nervous. Of me.
I knew she was going to run to call security. And I had seconds left. Because I was not safe. Because I was not in Manara.
I was in a little clinic in Seerat. And I had to escape.
Because, Manara was at war with Seerat.