DANGEROUS PAST
2028 BENJIN CHINA
As a child raised in a family where being good at science is a must, Maya was always treated badly. This is not because she is less pretty or disabled totally not.
It's because she likes to explore, and deep down she hopes to be an archaeologist one day. This she knows might never happen. Her dad is a physicist who creates crazy stuff that never gets approved, while her mom hmmm she is obsessed with human DNA and has tried to alter hers countless times. It was on one of such failed experiments, on a very cold day, that she lost her mom.
After that, her dad became more obsessed, even forcing her to be part of his test subjects. When she could no longer take it anymore, she left on her 18th birthday left her family, left her dad and decided to explore. But first she needed money, so she moved to Seoul, worked at a restaurant for two years, saved enough, and decided to take her first trip.
Meanwhile, this was no ordinary trip, because Maya had decided to visit Africa. Not just Africa because I mean, why Africa? But from her detailed research she discovered a place that had been isolated from history. Based on the story, a king went to war and lost. He needed to win, so he went to the shaman, and the shaman told him that for him to win that war, the only way was to let his only girl child go. Now, killing her is a bit manageable, but burying her alive? Extreme.
But the king did it anyway, and according to history, after she was buried, a never-ending stream of tears remained on her grave. Now Maya was drawn to this story because it was a bit similar to hers her parents always giving her up for fame. She wanted to see if it really happened in history, so she booked her flight to Africa.
When her plane landed, what welcomed her was that harsh March heat. She immediately dipped her hands into her bag looking for her hat and sunglasses. After putting them on, she boarded a taxi that took her to the town where the so-called history happened.
On the way, she began a conversation with the driver. Greeting him calmly in her not-so-fluent English, she said, "Good evening, sir."
The driver responded by saying, "Haa, oyibo!" white lady exposing his not-so-complete teeth. Maya knew that if his teeth were intact, regardless of his skin, he would make a fine young man.
Brushing that aside, she asked about the history. The man paused for a second and replied in a proud tone, "That's the greatest king we've ever had. He was willing to sacrifice for his kingdom." The man went on and on, rambling about how kids should submit to their parents. It was only until she choked from the dust coming in through the open car window that the man finally stopped, asking if she was fine.
Without waiting for her answer he continued talking, but something caught her attention. In all his rambling, he told her that the day after tomorrow, a traditional ceremony would be held to honor the fallen princess. She asked about the venue and he told her, even offering to take her there for free. They exchanged contacts, then she got out at the little hotel she had booked.
Stepping out of the car, she noticed across the street some kids running around a tree, looking cheerful, until a tall woman came and took the kid away. He was covered in red sand. She said something to him which Maya could not hear because of the distance, but the little boy broke into a full smile while his mum playfully spanked him.
Tears welled up in Maya's eyes as she wished she had this love all her life. Brushing her emotions aside, she walked into the hotel.
TWO DAYS LATER
Maya stood in the midst of a lot of people dressed in beautiful traditional wear — obviously barely covering much, but that was traditional. The women were curvy and did not bother hiding it. The men were tall and sturdy. Different sets of dancers came and left.
Finally there was a lot of noise, and everyone gathered looked at something that looked like a sedan. Inside was a dark-skinned lady, her thick hair covered in colorful beads. She had thin lips and a delicate face. From the whispers, Maya learned she does this every year acting as the princess that died.
After the procession left, Maya asked around if she could find the grave of tears. She was directed, but her driver advised her to go tomorrow instead since the sun was already setting. She disagreed with him and left on foot, since the townspeople said it was not very far.
After walking for what felt like hours, I realized I did not know where else to go and worse, it was already dark. Turning back, Maya began to try to find her way, but even after many turns she could not.
All of a sudden, like a ray of hope, she noticed the moon shining brightly on a path covered by flowers and leaves.
Pushing them aside, she walked into something that looked like a burial site, and with her own eyes she saw on the grave little teardrops that looked like they wouldn't dry up no matter what. Crouching down, she sat by the little dead princess's grave. It was like both of them felt solitude. After some time she dusted her black skirt, said goodbye, and left.
She had not gone far when she felt a chill run through her spine. It was mid-March, and during this period in some parts of Africa it is usually very hot but this cold was unusual. Picking up her pace, she walked faster. The invisible presence just got heavier. After some time she stumbled and fell, and her predator revealed itself.
Seeing what stood before her, a shrill scream left her throat, echoing into the night.....
9 MONTHS LATER
DEEP WITHIN THE SAME
AFRICAN TOWN
A woman's painful scream could be heard as an elderly woman rushed out, then rushed in again. More painful, agonizing screams then the little whimpers of a baby crying.
Maya held the crying child in her hands, tears rolling down her cheeks. She had failed. Her parents were right. She looked at the flawless child in her arms, then turned to the midwife.
"Please — end it. Please....."
