Chapter 1
It was the night of 24 August. I was sitting on my bed beside the window, looking out at the full moon, its glow illuminating my face, my dress intentionally not my night suit but a casual, pretty black shirt and a perfect sized trouser with a scarf around my neck, my hair beautifully styled, slightly fluttering.
All of a sudden, a smile appeared on my lips. A thankful, loving smile. Memories were playing in my mind. All those moments when my brothers protected me. All those moments when they made me feel safe.
MEMORY:
I was walking absent-mindedly in the park which was illuminated by street lamps. Usually, I would write and relax at this time but a heavy weight pressed down on my heart for the last three days. I had lost someone very close to me and I needed time to compose myself. My brothers respected my space and gave me the time I required.
That day, when I was wandering aimlessly around the park, looking down at the grass, trying hard to not let my tears spill, the slight breeze feeling very cold on my back, all the people around me engrossed in their own stuff, I suddenly bumped into someone. An angry figure.
He started shouting at me. “Are you blind? Can’t you see where you’re going?” He yelled, making me flinch.
“You’re not even going to apologize? I’ll show you what happens if you mess with me.” He stepped forward and grabbed my arm harshly.
This was my limit. My fear of coming into contact with someone totally unknown showed itself, which usually stayed silent because I was careful. The world around me felt a lot more noisy but it was the emotional turmoil in me which made me lose control of my fear and emotions.
Noises! So much noise! Unfamiliar touch!
My breathing became uneven and I tried to release my arm from the man’s firm and hard grip. All of a sudden, something appeared…someone actually and the man stumbled backward, his mouth bleeding from a single hit of the “someone”. I looked up to see a smart person standing, his back facing me, his hands clenched into fists. Brother Sylar. He stepped forward towards the man and grabbed him by the collar, his movements swift and dangerous.
“Now, I’ll tell you what happens if you touch my sister.” Brother Sylar said in a low, fierce voice, making the man tremble.
His eyes turned fierce red, he leaned forward, opened his mouth and dug his fangs into the man’s neck. But this all was invisible to anyone else standing there. After killing the man, he wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand and then came towards me, his eyes still dangerous but held protectiveness and softness.
“Are you okay?”He asked with concern.
I just nodded, my tears still falling.
“What happened?” He asked again, keeping his distance carefully.
I was too weak to answer. He knew me and so he didn’t push me to answer. One of his things that I loved the most was that he respected my space. Instead of asking again, he just offered his hand and without hesitation I took it because it felt safe. Then we went to the dorm. The inside was quiet as everyone else had gone out. I sat in my room on the bed, now a little better. Brother Sylar entered with a glass of water, handed it to me and kneeled in front of me.
“Halima, I know you’re upset, but you shouldn’t get carried away.” He told me, clearly worried that I am being consumed by my sadness.
I said nothing. Just stared at the floor. He got up and sat beside me and told me to look at him. I did as told.
“Tell me whatever you want. Come to me whenever you want. But don’t do this to yourself.” He assured me of his support and presence which made me feel comfortable.
“Brother... I just feel empty.” I expressed whatever came to my mind.
“We are with you. So why do you feel empty?” He asked, confirming me their love and support for me.
“I didn’t want this to happen.” I bowed my head, clutching my hands tight as a single tear fell from my eye.
“It’s fate. You can’t change it. But you have to be strong.” He told me the reality but his voice and advice made it seem less harsh because he was by my side no matter what.
I took a deep breath and nodded.
“Brother! You didn’t misunderstand, did you?” I asked in a low voice.
“Not at all. I know you very well.” He smiled.
I smiled back. After a moment,
“You need to get some rest. Sleep now.” He said, patting my shoulder.
He then got up and moved towards the door.
“Thank You, Brother.” I said slowly as he was about to get out.
He stopped, turned his head and gave a really sweet smile that always won me.
“This is what brothers do.” He said.
“Good Night.”He exited the room after saying this.
I felt really relaxed and much better. Brother Sylar was always victorious in making me feel good. And for the first time in the last three days, I slept peacefully.
MEMORY FINISH
I was so thankful to Brother Sylar for always putting my heart at ease.
