The Rebirth Of Liora

CHAPTER 3

Liora was recuperating quickly after the frightening incident the day before. Feeling stronger, she decided to take a stroll down the street to her dad’s grocery shop—and maybe spend some time with her friend Amira.

“Hello, Mum,” Liora called softly. “I’m just heading out to see Amira and Dad at the shop.”

Her mother looked concerned. “Are you sure you’re well enough for a walk?”

Liora smiled reassuringly. “Yes, I feel much better now.”

“If you say so, darling,” her mum replied warmly. “Your dad will be so eager to see you and give you a warm welcome at the shop.”

Just as Liora was about to leave, Mrs. Alex paused, her voice filled with concern. “Are you sure you can go alone? Or should I come with you so you won’t feel lonely? I’m still worried about you leaving the house right now.”

Liora smiled warmly, trying to ease her mother’s fears. “Don’t worry, Mum. I told you I’ll be fine. You worry too much. Besides, I’ve been there many times before, and nothing ever happens.”

With that, she gave her mum a sweet smile and hurried out the door, confident but aware of the lingering unease in her mother’s heart.

Along the winding mountain trail, on the dark and rough road leading to her dad’s shop, Liora began to hear strange sounds eerily similar to those from the previous day that had caused her to faint. The sky suddenly darkened as if a storm was about to break.

Beside her, she noticed the very same strange creature she had seen before—a wolf-like figure standing close, its eyes fixed on her. Panic surged through her veins as it moved nearer.

She tried to run, but the world blurred, and before she knew it, she fell to the ground, feeling sharp, searing pain teeth sinking into her skin.

Suddenly, the weather cleared, brighter than before, though it still looked like it might rain. Liora was on the ground, crying and holding her injured leg. She quickly found a healing leaf, squeezed its water onto the cut, and gently applied it. Then, she tore a strip from her dress to wrap the wound. Almost immediately, the pain eased, and she was surprised by how much relief she felt.

As Liora walked along, she met her friend Amira, who was also heading to her house. They hugged tightly, having not seen each other for nearly a month.

“I’ve missed you, Liora,” Amira said warmly.

“Me too, friend,” Liora replied with a smile. “Actually, I was just going to my dad’s shop to pass the time. I’ve been ill for a few days, but I’m finally recuperating.”

They walked together, happy to be reunited.

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Amira said. “What exactly happened?”

“I’m not sure,” Liora replied. “Maybe it was a fever that triggered a severe headache. But thanks to God, I’m getting better.”

They smiled and laughed together, the warmth of their friendship shining through.

“Let’s go to my dad’s shop first,” Liora suggested. “Then we can head to your house to greet your parents.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right; at least I got to see you first,” Amira said with a smile. “I know we’ll have a great time at your dad’s shop. He’s always ready to share stories and experiences.”

Amira sighed softly. “My dad is very strict. He hardly ever lets me play outside. If it weren’t for my mom stepping in sometimes, I wouldn’t even be allowed to come visit you.”

“Hmm, is your dad really that strict?” Liora asked.

“Yes, he is,” Amira replied. “But I know as I grow older, he won’t have control over my time anymore. I’ll be able to make my own decisions. We’re only ten now, but in a few years, we’ll be wiser, and no one will decide for us anymore.”

“That’s true,” Amira agreed as they arrived at Liora’s dad’s shop.

“Good morning, Dad,” Liora greeted cheerfully.

Mr. Alex looked surprised. “Wow, what a surprise visit! How did you get here? I thought I told you to stay home and rest. I hope you’re not pushing yourself too hard,” he said with a hint of sarcasm.

“No, Dad, I’m really feeling better now,” Liora assured him. “There’s no more pain. On my way here, I met Amira, and we decided to stop by and check on you before heading to her place.”

“Oh, I see. How are you, Amira? And how are your parents?” Mr. Alex greeted politely.

“They’re fine, sir,” Amira replied. “They knew I was on my way to Liora’s place when I met her along the way, so we decided to come to your shop first.”

“All right, no problem. Make yourselves comfortable,” Mr. Alex said warmly. “What can I offer you both?”

“Anything, Dad,” Liora answered quickly.

“Snacks and drinks, please,” they both chorused.

Mr. Alex quickly went to the grocery fridge he used for his business and brought out cold drinks and some pies for the girls. He presented them with a warm smile.

“Here you go,” he said happily.

“Thank you, Dad,” Liora replied gratefully.

“You’re welcome, my daughter. Always here for you,” he said warmly.

Liora returned his smile, feeling happy and loved.

Liora turned to her dad. “We’ll be leaving soon to visit Amira’s parents to extends my greetings to them after we leave your shop.”

“No problem at all,” Mr. Alex replied. “You have the day to yourself. Remember, I told you I don’t want to stress you anymore. I want you to get plenty of rest and enjoy your time, especially now that you’re with your friend Amira. I’m sure you two will have a great time together.”

“Alright, Dad, we’re ready to go now,” Liora said, hugging her father tightly.

Mr. Alex kissed her gently on the forehead. “See you later, my dear. Take care.”

“Bye, Dad,” Liora smiled as she and Amira headed out.

When they arrived at Amira’s residence, Liora greeted Amira’s parents warmly, and they welcomed her with open arms.

“Oh, Amira’s mum,” Liora said with a smile.

Amira’s mum responded, surprised, “How did you get here so quickly? I thought you wouldn’t make it on time.”

Liora explained, “We met along the way. She was also coming to my place, so we stopped by her dad’s shop before coming here.”

“Oh, what a coincidence!” Amira’s mum exclaimed”? “Make yourselves comfortable, lovelies. What would you like to have”?

“Nothing, ma’am,” Liora said politely. “We already had snacks at my dad’s shop, so I’m fine. I’m not sure about Amira, though.”

“Don’t be shy, friend,” Amira teased her.

“No, really, I’m okay,” Liora replied with a smile. “If I want to eat, I’ll definitely say so. Besides, this isn’t my first time here,” she chuckled.

“Okay, if you say so, then no problem. We still have plenty of days ahead,” Amira’s mum said kindly.

Liora stayed for a little while but soon started feeling dizzy and noticed a strange sensation, as if she might faint. Quickly, she excused herself. “I’ll be on my way,” she told Amira’s mom.

“Oh, so soon? I thought you’d stay longer to play with your friend.”

“Yes, ma’am, but I just remembered my mom sent me on an errand,” Liora lied softly.

“Alright, maybe next time then,” Amira’s mum replied.

Without waiting for Amira to say goodbye, Liora hurried off. “Bye, friend. See you later.”