**"Mama."**
**"Run, my daughter!"**
**"Mama… let's go together!"**
I begged her to come with me. She caressed my cheek with her fingers, wiped away my tears, and left her bloody fingerprints on my face—blood mingling with tears. She wrapped her precious necklace around my neck, **pressed her forehead tightly against mine**, and whispered words that dripped like honey into my little heart.
Then, **she ordered me to depart alone**.
Just as I had pleaded with her moments ago, she now pleaded with me. And before the fragility in her voice, **my resistance shattered**. I yielded to her wish... **not willingly, but in defeat. I walked into the unknown, alone and directionless**. A crimson curtain fell behind me, and she faded into the folds of my memory.
*Farewell, my beloved. Our reunion has become a distant mirage.*
That day, my steps led me to my uncle's house—the man who raised me under his family's care and showered me with affection to make up for the absence of my parents. My mother was gone forever, and my father and brother vanished during a journey from which they never returned. My uncle never stopped chasing after their trail, yet always came back empty-handed.
Eight years have passed. This year, I started high school alongside Niyar—my uncle's second child, **a perfect copy of me in appearance**. As for Reena, the eldest daughter, she's nearly twenty now, a year and a half older than my brother Iyass. Just like me and Niyar, they too resemble each other. How could we not match, when our fathers were twins? Niyar and I inherited the features of my mother and uncle, while Reena and Iyass are the very images of my father and aunt.
Today seemed like just another ordinary day in my school life—or so I thought. On our way back from school, Niyar and I could immediately sense the tension in the air. Cars were rushing back and forth, and chaos engulfed the surroundings. Had the world turned upside down? Just hours earlier, everything had been peaceful. We quickened our steps and entered the house, only to find it in disarray—bags here, clothes there, my uncle and aunt hauling belongings.
**"What's happening?"** Niyar demanded. My aunt, noticing us, pointed urgently to bags by the door: **"Grab these and pack essentials."**
**"Why? What's going on, Mom?"**
Reena dragged a suitcase downstairs: **"It's an evacuation. Save the questions for later!"**
As Niyar protested, Bayram's tall frame leaned over us. **"The city will turn into a battlefield. Every family with minors must leave—including you."**
**"But we're not children!"** Niyar shot back. **"Why can't we stay?"**
**"Your presence would hinder us,"** Bayram stated firmly.
Ignoring them, I asked, **"Cousin... are you staying?"**
He laughed softly. **"I have a name, you know. And yes—this is my duty. Go now. Time is wasting."**
I retreated to my room. Packing my suitcase, I lingered at the doorway, memorizing every detail: my bed, my desk, the corner where Niyar, Reena, and I shared countless stories. *Is leaving truly right?* I didn't want to flee again... *again*. But the choice wasn't mine.
Downstairs, Niyar sat fuming on the couch. Bayram loaded my suitcase into the car. When the moment came, we stepped outside. Bayram leaned against the doorframe, wearing his signature lopsided grin. **"I'll miss you already,"** he murmured, studying our faces as if etching them into memory.
**"You're really not coming?"** Niyar asked, voice thick with despair.
**"I'm the squad leader. Who'll defend our home if we all flee?"**
We knew his reasons. I slid into the car, thoughts churning. Niyar slumped beside me.
**"Look after each other!"** —Bayram's final words.
We drove away... leaving our hearts behind.