Griselda

In a crooked situation in the woods, a child Griselda was being pulled by her own parent, her own mother to the farthest part. “Ma? Where are we going?” The little girl asked as she was trying to keep up with her mother’s pace afraid that she might regret it if she ever let go of her mother’s grip. But all that she can hear from her mother were her heavy breath from the walk then run that they have been doing for minutes since they have escaped from their home wherein they have left her father. She decided not to push her question that might just stop her mother from pulling her. She knows she is safe when she is with her and that her mother will eventually explain everything to her later on. She continued following her to where she was heading to until they have reached the corner in the woods wherein a big mansion was built as if it has been there for forever. For the first time since their run, Griselda’s mother have finally let go of her hand, went down on bended knees and faced her, leveling their eyes so they can look at each other. “Griselda, my child—” Her mother cried, “This is the only place where I know you will be safe—” “Ma? Is this because I do not look like you or Pa? Is this because I look like a monster instead of looking like a human as I am? Ma, I am not a monster, I am not a threat to anyone. I promise I will do no harm to anybody. I will be good, I will never hold grudges to anyone who says bad about me.” She was terrified at her thought that her mother might abandon her tonight. She can feel it by the way her mother cries. But she does not want to believe that and that cannot happen. Her mother cannot leave her. They are both crying so much that all that her mother can do was to pull her and embrace her tight. “Griselda—” “Don’t leave me, Ma. I promise to be good. I promise to keep myself from being seen— don’t leave me, please Ma. I’m afraid of this place, let’s get out of here, let’s find Pa and I’m sure he’ll find a way. He always does, Ma. Let’s go back home.” “We’re not going anywhere else, Griselda. This is where your Pa knows you will be safe.” “But I’m afraid.” Griselda’s tears then started to flow down her eyes, resulting to her not being able to see her mother clearly, “Ma, let’s wait for Pa. He’ll be here soon.” A slight hope was still evident in Griselda’s eyes. She believe she can change her mother’s decision and she will not have to be left alone in the mansion. “Hush now, Griselda.” The mother again said. Dropping all the hopes that Griselda was already struggling to hold on to. “Your Pa and I, we both love you so much. We would have traded all the things in this world in exchange for you and your safety. We can give up everything we have even our own lives just so we can see you smile. We will do everything to protect you even if it costs us our lives, my child. You are our only priority. You know that, right?” All the child can do was nod for that was the truth. That is what was always happening when they get into trouble because of her. “It will be scary, I know. But you will not be alone. We are here.” As she pointed her child’s heart she again shed a tear. “We will always be in your heart to guide you and support you all the way.” “But what am I gonna do here? I’m alone—” “That won’t be for long, Griselda. That won’t be long. In the mean time, you have to promise me that you’ll be strong, no matter how afraid you are. No matter how scary it gets.” “When will we see each other again?” Griselda’s still teary-eyed but she was trying her best to sound strong just to not disappoint her mother while she was still around. “I can’t promise you when but we’ll do our best to come back for you. But if we don’t, promise me that you’ll get on with your life, continue living even without us by your side.” Her mother sounded as if it was the last time they will be seeing each other and that scared her once more but she still managed to hold it in. “Ma—” “Can I trust you with that, Griselda?” Griselda put on her smile and raised her right hand as a gesture of making sure she has her word. “Yes, Ma. Of course.” Even though it sounded unsure, that was all what her mother needs to hear. It was enough, as she thought about it. They hugged once more before she whispered, “You have to go while my eyes are closed so I won’t run after you, Ma.” And with eyes closed, she prayed that everything was just a nightmare and that she will wake up on her bed with her parents by the door of her bedroom waiting for her to wake up but she was in reality and she knows it will not end as good as she epects things will do. After she counted from one to three, she opened her eyes and she saw her mother walking away, without looking back at her and the mansion even for a moment to at least say good bye. Right there and then she knew deep in her heart that it will be the last time she will be able to hold and see her mother. “BERNARD! WHO’S THAT MONSTER IN FRONT OF OUR MANSION?!” Surprised by the fact that there are people who probably live in that mansion deep in the woods, she tried to calm herself once more and expected for the usual insult she always received. She must stay strong, that is all she needs to think about.