the last goodbye

Anaa was frozen. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Charlet—bruised, trembling, barely able to stand—stumbling toward her in the dim moonlight. She looked like she had dragged herself through hell.

Without a word, Anaa ran to her and wrapped her arms around her. "Charlet! What happened to you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Charlet winced but forced a weak smile. "We don’t have time. We have to go... now."

But Anaa shook her head. "You’re hurt. I’m not going anywhere until I treat your wounds." She helped Charlet back to their tiny room and laid her gently on the bed. “Wait here,” Anaa whispered, "I’ll find something to help.”

She ran to the kitchen, heart pounding, hands trembling. She searched the shelves in the shadows for anything—an old cloth, herbs, anything to ease Charlet’s pain. But before she could find anything, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

"Anaa!" Charlet whispered sharply. "Hide! Don’t ask—just hide!"

"But you—" Anaa began, horrified at Charlet's state, "You're bleeding! What are you—"

"Now, Anaa!" Charlet snapped, more desperate than angry.

Confused and terrified, Anaa dove into a large basket in the corner of the kitchen, curling up tightly and holding her breath. Just then, several heavy footsteps entered the room.

Charlet tried to escape, but they caught her easily—too easily. Anaa peeked through the slits of the basket and saw the landlady enter, her face twisted with cruelty.

“She’s the new one,” the landlady said coldly. “You can take her. But don’t forget—we’ve got another one too. Sparkling eyes, beautiful skin... She’ll fetch a good price.”

Anaa’s blood turned to ice. She’s talking about me.

“No!" Charlet screamed, her voice cracking. "She’s just a child! Please, don’t hurt her! Leave her alone—I’m begging you!"

But her pleas fell on deaf ears.

The men laughed and beat Charlet mercilessly. Anaa covered her mouth to muffle her sobs. Her heart screamed to help, but her body was frozen with fear.

They dragged Charlet away like she was nothing.

Anaa stayed hidden the whole night, trembling, numb.

The next day, she searched every corner of the house—desperate, frantic—but there was no sign

Then one evening, a whisper reached her ears—Charlet was locked in the basement.

She waited until the house was still, then sneaked into the dark depths below. The air was thick, heavy, damp. The moment she saw her, Anaa fell to her knees.

Charlet was chained, her body battered, her spirit dim. Blood had dried on her clothes, and she could barely lift her head.

“Charlet… oh gods, what did they do to you?” Anaa sobbed, reaching out.

Charlet smiled weakly. “You found me… I knew you would.”

“Don’t talk. I’ll get you out of here. We’ll run away, together—”

“No,” Charlet whispered. “You have to go alone.”

“No! I’m not leaving you!”

Charlet’s eyes shimmered. “You’re like the little sister I never had… Anaa, this place—it’s a trap. The landlady… she sells the girls. That’s why they keep disappearing. They were waiting for the right buyer for you. I heard them. You have to go. Please… live, for me.”

Tears streamed down Anaa’s cheeks. “But I don’t want to lose you too! You’re all I have... you’re my family.”

“I can’t walk… I’d slow you down. I’d be a burden. But you… you can escape. You can survive.”

Charlet’s voice grew softer. “I miss my family, Anaa. I think… I think they’re waiting for me. But I’m not scared, because I met you. After I die, I’ll become a star—so bright, so close, you’ll never be alone.”

“I love you, Anaa.”

And then, with one final breath, she smiled… and her light faded.

Anaa broke down. Her wails filled the basement. Why? Why does everyone die to protect me? And I can never protect them back…

She stayed there, holding Charlet’s hand until she heard footsteps.

Panic.

Men were coming.

Anaa stood up, eyes wide, heart hammering. She ran—barefoot, through the dark, through the cold, tears blurring her vision. Her feet were cut by sharp branches and rocks, but she didn’t stop.

She ran like the wind, chased by shadows, with pain in her chest and blood on her skin.

But still she ran.

Because now, she had no one left.

Only a promise.

To live.

For Charlet.

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