Ray Johannes

The Silk Orchid

Chapter 1: Kessia The pale orchid stood perched on a side table overlooking the beach. Dew drops glinted on its soft, delicate petals, some sliding off and landing gently on the table. The flower appeared to weep, and Kessia admired it with a sad smile, shaking off the momentary thought that the orchid had just shivered. A soft, pink pigment emerged from the center of the flower, giving a light accent to the orchid, and perhaps a happier appearance. Kessia closed her eyes and exhaled a sigh of relief as a gentle breeze lifted the strands of blonde hair that strayed from her ponytail. When she opened them again, she was greeted with swaying palm trees and a beach as white as snow. The crystal water licked the shoreline, caressing each grain of sand with its watery touch. Kessia shifted her gaze back to the orchid, noticing something she hadn’t seen before. A shiny, iridescent green beetle on its back, nestled in between the petals. It lay motionless, its tiny legs rigid and fragile. Kessia’s smile slowly faded, a sadness misting her eyes. She clenched her trembling hand, a small tremor of unease traveling down her spine. What a beautiful place to pass away, she thought, dismissing the feeling.