*Zara*

It truly felt as if I was going to die. My loved ones continued to torment me, calling me a failure. I felt heavier and heavier with each hateful word, feeling as if I was going to be crushed beneath the weight of it all. It was getting more difficult to breathe.

I just wanted it to end.

Something thin and shiny fell in front of my eyes. I lifted my head, my eyes following the golden tendril that shimmered despite the darkness engulfing me. The ...