Legacy

My world ended on a Thursday. I don’t think I ever envisioned what day, the world might end. I just know, I wouldn’t have guessed a Thursday. Nevertheless, that’s when it happened. On a day like any other, everything came to a halt. I remember sitting with my kids in the kitchen. They were busy eating lunch, while I mindlessly scrolled through Instagram on my phone. Suddenly my phone vibrated and the emergency alert screeched loudly, causing me to drop it on the table, as my kids looked at me in confusion. “What’s going on?” My 9year old daughter asked, concern etched on her beautiful brown face. I quickly picked up my phone to read the alert;

“TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE AREA. STAY INSIDE. MORE INFORMATION TO COME”

“Wh what the-“ was the only thing I managed to say before the whole house shook and a flash of white light engulfed the room. I remember lunging to grab my kids right before I passed out.

My eyes opened and I was in standing in a beautiful well lit hallway . Where was I? I wasn’t in my home anymore. Living in my parents home, with my kids, sharing a tiny room, I knew wherever I was now, was no where near where I came from. I was confused but felt a weird sense of peace. Although I was in a unfamiliar place, it was like I belonged. I started to walk down the long hallway. My feet seemed to know the way. A short distance ahead the hallway opened up to a grand room. I started to hear voices coming from the room. Quiet chatter at first. The closer I got the louder the voices grew. I could now hear laughter. I quickened my pace. I had to see.... My heart leapt as I entered the room. I let out a small gasp and instinctively grabbed at my necklace. A small heart shaped locket, I always wore. Whenever I’m nervous or scared I clutch the locket in my hand and say a quick prayer. It comforts me. And walking into a room filled with people was a bit of a shock. The chatter stopped, every eye found me, and smiles beamed from every face.

“Welcome Home, Sayble.” A round faced cinnamon brown skinned woman said. She seemed to be at the center of everyone. “Home?” I asked slowly. I had been home. I was just at home with my kids. My kids! Where were kids?! How was I here without my kids! Before I could erupt with concern about the whereabouts of my children. The woman smiled, holding up her hand, and spoke. “Your children are fine. We don’t have much time. You must listen.” I don’t know why I instantly felt a sense of calmness fall over me, but I believed that my kids were fine. I felt safe and welcome. So I listened. “We are your family. The ancestors you talk to” she continued. “ The time has come for you to step into your power. You are destined to deliver the new world. It is time.” My eyes darted around the room. Every face glowed with joy in agreement. “Me? What can I do?” I asked in disbelief. “I’m barely making it. I still live with my parents. I barely feel like a functioning adult most days. I don’t know how I can help.” To my surprise the woman stood up and walked to towards me. God, she was beautiful. She stood in front of me, her eyes locked with mine. She took my hands into hers. Warmth radiated through her and embraced me. I felt loved. I felt seen and so safe. “My beautiful child. You are powerful. My blood runs through you. You are destined for great things. Trust in yourself, remember who you are. Your path will reveal itself. ” She smiled softly and lightly touched my locket hanging against my chest. “You always have a piece of me with you.” I glanced down at the locket and back at the woman. She seemed to read my mind as she nodded slowly, her smile never wavering. “Yes, that was once mine. Now it’s yours. Keep it close. It’s a piece of home.” The woman gently held the sides of my face in her hands and kissed my forehead. “Now you must go.” And just like that, the bright light exploded in the room and it was like I was whisked away. Falling, falling , falling back into my body.

“Mama. MAMA! Wake up!!”

I opened my eyes to sound of my kids screaming my name. “I’m here, I’m ok. Mama is ok” I said weakly, sitting up. My eyes began to focus as I scanned the room. I was back in the kitchen. My kids were holding on to me so tight. What had even happened? From the terrified looks on their faces, I knew whatever happened was pretty bad. How did I get on the floor? The house shook.... was there an earthquake? No, the phone said terrorist attack... Was it a bomb?! Where the hell did I even go? Had it all been a dream??? My ancestors. The bright room. The beautiful woman... It was like my brain was trying to catch up.

A siren wailed in the distance. Snapping me out of my trance and letting me know that this was all very real. I hugged my kids back to calm them. “It’s ok, mama is ok. Let’s find out what’s going on.” I said. I got to my feet, my kids still tightly gripping either side of me. “I’m ok babies” I said trying to sound reassuring. I made my way to the window and fought back a scream. I looked out in complete horror as to what was before me. The world was on fire. My hand left my son’s back and grabbed for my locket. To my surprise it was warm and I felt a rush of calmness engulf me. “Your path will reveal itself” I said quietly.

“Mama what’s happening?!” My son cried burying his face into my side. “Im not sure baby.” I said reaching down to pull them both into my embrace.

I didn’t know then, that particular Thursday, would send my life into a tailspin. There was no way of knowing that the “terrorist attack” would be the first of many. Or that they came here for me.....

Or that the “terrorists” weren’t from this world.

And neither was I......