Aria

Two years ago, I still had no recollection of my past. However, that changed the day Henna decided to tell me about how we met. It came as a shocker because I never considered the possibility of us not even being related by blood.

I was a blissful child, even though I did not fancy any friends and I had an impeccable love for martial arts. The reason was the fact that we live alone with my aunt. Because that is what I knew Henna to be.

I needed to be able to fight or at least defend us if ever trouble came our way. But after our talk, it was no longer just for defense. I had to become stronger and go back and get justice. There was no turning back and there was not going to be any mercy.

I remember vividly, the day she came back from work and told me we needed to talk. She looked weary and defeated. I made her a cuppa and we sat down in the kitchen. It always worked for her. Whenever she had a tiring day, I knew that a cup of coffee would instantly restore her vibrant nature.

However, despite downing the coffee that day, she remained sullen. I can still recall how antsy her demeanor made me and I became anxious. She looked at me with a complicated expression before she sighed dejectedly.

"Come here, baby," Henna mumbled softly with outstretched arms.

It came naturally for me to fall into her embrace. Her warmth and her love always soothed my wrecked nerves. But on that particular day, it did anything but. And when she commenced talking, my world came crashing down.

"Now listen sweetheart, I have to tell you something that you probably will not be able to take. But the doctor has advised me not to keep you in the dark. You are growing and you deserve to know. Besides, this might help you regain your memory."

When she paused, I recall having a very bad premonition. I just knew that whatever it was, it would cause drastic changes to my life. She kissed my brow and took out her cell phone. After wiping off her tears, she gave it to me.

"Darling, I need you to watch that video, then I will explain everything to you."

I took the phone but did not play the so-called video. Henna is not a woman who minces her words. She is blunt but in a very positive way. So, I knew that whatever was in the video, would alter my way of viewing life. So, I pushed it back and looked straight into her eyes, and said my piece with obvious defiance.

"Uh, uh. No ma'am. There is no way I am watching anything. Whatever it is, you better just tell me. I want to hear it first. Let me be the one to decide after."

"Very well then. However, I need you to know that, this does not change anything. You are and will always be my baby. I love you more with each passing day. Remember that, always."

Her voice was thick with emotion and I could not help but feel emotional distress due to her sadness. She then pulled me again for a hug and requested that we go sit on the couch. After kissing my brow, she held my hands and looked at me. The pain was evident in her gaze but she shrugged and began to speak.

"Baby, forgive me please but I have withheld a lot from you. You are by law, my daughter but we are not related as I said before. The truth is, I found you."

I felt my eyes sting and my nose heat up and even Henna was not doing any better. But surprisingly, we both held back our tears. She sniffled and continued in a broken voice.

" We were camping that summer and I went out for a jog. Before I knew it, I had ventured too far into the forest.