Marked by Courage

“Raya, It’s my time now…!” Mrs. Marshell, Raya’s mother, faced a disease that
seemed nearly incurable.

“There is no hope, but this might change everything,” the doctor said firmly, handing her a crumpled paper. “Mommy, I will do anything to save you,” Raya declared as she scanned the paper. “Raya, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself,” her mother reassured her softly, her voice trailing off as tears filled her eyes.

Raya read with a trembling voice:

“I will get it…” Raya asserted, nudging her mother urgently. “Only those who radiate a crystal-clear mark under the moon can enter,” her mother said.

Determined to save her mother, Raya staggered out of the room, longing to enter the forest and get her mother the drink of life. She sighed, urgency pounding her chest. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed a flask and set off. Her heart raced and doubts whispered, her mind constantly told her that her plan was ludicrous. She knew she wasn’t one of those who had the mark…

Her legs trembled, as she stood at the edge of the forest. The moon glinted behind the clouds, then slowly emerged enlightening her mark. At that moment, the mark illuminated, emitting a clear, sharp light that flooded the dark forest. Her heart pounding with hope, she ran as fast as her legs would carry her until she reached the soft, gushing sound of the river.

Crouching by the riverbank, she filled her flask with water. She ran home tirelessly without stopping once. Bursting through the door, she charged inside, breathless.

Her mother lay on the bed… motionless, with her father’s tear-stricken face. thinking it was too late, Raya lunged forward, tears spilling sown her face. She slipped halfway, sending the flask flying through the air, splashing water all over her mother.

To her astonishment, her mother stirred, and color returned to her face. Raya knew at that moment: that she had done it.