Emilia sprints barefoot out the back door towards the wall. A few people she passes whisper “looney,” “odd,” and “crazy.” Yes, the best thing to do is leave this life behind. Nobody likes her. Not even her family. She’s always been alone. Never had a friend. Not that this is a surprise. Emilia is an embarrassment to the family. She’s useless. Not only did she forget to make dinner today, she always fails to complete her very simple tasks.
Last week, the landowners paid a surprise visit. Well, the house was a mess, and Emilia was the only one home. The owners raised the rent saying that Mother and Father are awful tenants and will attract rodents. Emilia was whooped. A little tumble over the wall would be the best thing for everyone. Who knows, the landlords will lower the rent since there is one less person living in the home.
As she walks, Emilia pretends to be a mermaid as Teddy is a stranded Prince who places a seal on her tail binding her as his servant. Emilia comes to the wall separating the MoonLight Kingdom from the rest of the world. She climbs up the rubble left behind from the war between the MoonLight Kingdom and other kingdoms. Opposing kingdoms used magical weapons and bombs. Now all that remains for protection is rocks and boulders piled high. The rubble leads to a more structurally sound part of the wall. The further she walks, rocks and boulders become fewer, and the walkway for the wall becomes thick. The edges rise creating railing. Emilia passes under forts that hold the MoonLight flag.
With the city on one side and the forest on the other, Emilia wonders why the beasts constantly attack the city when the other side is more enticing. The forest is so much more beautiful and freer than the city. The forest is the side she will fall on. When she passes on, her soul will be free. Thick fog covers the wall, but the fog doesn’t hide the moon’s outline, the clocktower near her, or the outline of the palace a distance away. The hands of the clock move: 11:45pm. The fog doesn’t hide the forest though. Instead, the fog gently dances over the green leaves. Emilia takes in air around her then kicks off her sandals placing them against the stone wall.
“You were fun to know and play with. Thank you for finding me.” Emilia squeezes Teddy one last time, but Teddy’s eyes no longer hold a hopeful look. Emilia sits the bear on top of the sandals, kisses Teddy’s forehead, then steps up on top of the stone railing. Green life is the best thing to see, and Emilia is blessed that the greenery of the forest is the last thing she gets to see. Teddy too. Soft fur brushes the back of Emilia’s calf. She looks down to find that Teddy has somehow climbed the wall to stand next to her. Teddy holds onto and strokes her leg.
Don’t go. Teddy says, I need you.
Though Teddy’s words are tempting, Emilia knows better. Anyone would be happy to own such a sweet and thoughtful bear. The bear also seems like one for adventures and wandering on its own. Teddy would be bored staying with Emilia. Emilia cups Teddy’s cheek.
“You don’t need me. You’re amazing on your own.” Emilia then places Teddy on the other side of a very short pillar.
That’s not true. Teddy denies. Please don’t go.
Tears burst from Emilia’s eyes as she clutches her chest. Emilia allows her feet to hinge her body off the edge of the wall’s railing free falling. The wind and fog rush passed her as waits for the greenery to get closer and closer forever a beautiful sight.
“Goddesses, please forgive me. I—I don’t know why you created me. I only get in the way. I’m irresponsible. Perhaps I was a mistake. I’m sorry. I give my body, soul, and spirit back to you. Please create a new person worthy of life. I’m sorry.” Emilia hugs herself.
The warm wind sharply turns fierce slowing her fall. Then, a pair of blue eyes greet her. A beast snarls jumping up towards her. She feels its nails in her chest. The wind no longer rushes against her stomach. The wind changes to beat against her back. The ground becomes further away. The talons of the beast dig deeper. Smack! Agonizing pain sears into her back, the back of her head, the back of her legs, and the back of her feel.
The beast growls but pounces off of her dashing away. Emilia struggles to breathe coughing up deep red blood instead. When she attempts to lift her arm, glass splintering pain rips through her. The arm that works reaches over to stroke, but her right arm seems to have ridges and barely any solid structure. Though the clouds, moon, and stars become fuzzy, Emilia makes out an outline of someone’s face.
“Emilia!” The prince’s voice brushes against her ears as everything fades away in a nice comfy darkness.