“ What ’ s happening ? Nani ?” I was carried onto the van we shared with eight other
families . Painted red and gold , covered with mythological figures , deities , Gods and Goddesses .
There was one figure that seemed to be brighter than the others . I locked eyes with Her . Her
eyes twinkled . I was transfixed . She was looking at me , I knew what She wanted .
“ Nani , I want Papa !” I fought against the music nobody else could hear .
“ No , me and you are going somewhere special .”
“ PAPA ! PAPAAAAA !” I screamed .
“ Y .. yes ?” Came the monotone , embarrassed voice of my father .
The protector .
*
The ride was smooth as we exited our small town – dodging people and street-stalls .
Only when we entered sudden darkness , the shadow of the hulking hills before us enveloping us
all in a comforting sheet of shade , that tiny rocks and cracks began jolting us side to side .
“ WHERE ARE WE GOING ?” Papa screeched as he lurched forward , narrowly missing
the dashboard .
“ You know where .” Nani snapped .
I felt a vibration in my head , as if a long-closed box were throwing itself against the walls
of my caged mind , forcing itself to open .