30
Kerina
‘Kerina, you’re not allowed to play with just anybody. We have to keep you safe,’ the lady with the pretty smile says.
‘But why?’
‘Because you’re special. You are so precious that not everyone likes your kind.’
‘What do you mean, Mumma?’
My mother holds a mirror up to my neck. I see the reflection in the glass.
‘You see that sign? That is the birthmark of Okodee. Many people believe in its power, while others fear it. Either way, nobody can know about it until you’re ready. You have a very important role to play in the future. Do you understand?’
I nod, but only to please my mother. None of it makes much sense to me.
‘Now this is going to hurt, but I need you to be brave.’
A man comes toward us. He holds a large knife that glows red. He pushes the knife against the birt
