Petra's Story - Part 1

        Far off, in the lands of the west, sat a small independent village. Located within a fertile grassland area with a mountain range not too far off to the northwest. A happily living village, though devoid of citizens with the gift of magic. Even without the use of magic, the town thrived on its well-tended agriculture and studies of technology. One particular house sat on the very far edge of the village. It was in very bad condition due to its unfortunate location and poor upkeep, though it still served as a full time living space for two residents: a kind old woman and her granddaughter.
        The granddaughter was indeed an odd one. She was the most recent outsider to have made her home in this village, for all the other citizens have descended from families who have already settled there for quite some time. Petra is what she was named, and she was only six when she happened to stumble into the village. And along with her uncommon name, she was a very uncommon girl. Other than being the newest kid around the block, all of the villagers often took notice of one striking feature: her blue hair. There were many hair colors that people took on this day and age from red, to green, purple, and even pink. But she was the first case of blue hair they had ever seen in their lives. Not only that, but she claimed it to be her natural hair color as well. Accepting this rather unusual trait wouldn’t be that simple to the villagers at first glance, but over the years they would come to accept the brilliant hair color as normal and Petra as a fellow villager. And the years did come; they did indeed. Seven of them in fact, and the girl was now thirteen.

        Petra awoke on the floor of her room covered in sweat and gasping for air, just as she had for countless mornings this past year. Many nights where she would see the face of fear, and end up choking on the floor every morning after. The only thing that remained in her current thoughts, was her beloved sister. The never-ending nightmare that visited Petra’s mind every night was solely about her sister. It was about that fateful day; that dark day, where she became separated from her family and her younger sister, and her life was changed forever. “Kathy…” said Petra in tears. “I’m sorry… I failed you…”
        Today was the first day of summer, which undoubtedly explained the uncomfortable heat the previous night. Petra started making her bed, seeing as it was rather a mess from her torturous nightmare. As she finished her grandmother called for her, “Oh Dearie! Are you awake? Breakfast is ready.” After hearing the word ‘breakfast’ Petra’s stomach growled uncomfortably. She was pretty hungry and ready to eat after thrashing about though the night. So she exited her room and entered the kitchen. “Good morning grandma. What’s for breaky-fast today?” she asked. “Your favorite, you get a stack of pancakes!” replied her grandmother. Excited, Petra quickly grabbed her plate of food along with her eating utensils and a glass of chocolate milk. “Careful dear. You’re gonna spill on yourself if you eat that fast,” said her grandmother. “Sorry, I can’t help it. You just make the best pancakes ever!” replied Petra after stuffing her cheeks full. “So grandma, how do you think you would handle two granddaughters?” It was a rather odd question for Petra to bring up so randomly, but her grandmother quickly realized the reason for such a question. “Dear… did you have that nightmare again?” she asked. Slowing down her eating, Petra responded “Yeah, I did for the thousandth time. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me kicking around in my bed though.” “I’m sorry child, I can’t imagine the pain you must feel reliving that scene every night. If only I had the money then I’d see about trying to find your real family,” replied her grandmother in sorrow. “No grandma, don’t talk like that. I don’t need lots of money to do that, all I need to keep me going is you being my grandma, that’s all,” reassured Petra. A slight smile returned to her grandmother’s face, though still faint. “Look, it doesn’t matter if we really are related or not. I’m your adopted granddaughter, and you are my loving grandmother. If I hadn’t gotten separated from my family back then, then I wouldn’t have met you. But I did and I’m happy about that,” explained Petra as she finished her breakfast. Her grandmother sighed and put on a cheerful grin once again, “Ah dear, you truly are such a wonderful child. I only wish you grandfather lived long enough to meet y…” “Hey, stop it grandma!” said Petra cutting off her grandmother. “Stop talking about people who are dead or not around. We’re supposed to be a happy family here!" That statement shocked her grandmother for a moment, but then she realized that Petra was right. After washing her dishes, Petra proceeded towards the front door. She was ready to start the day and see what adventures were awaiting her in the great outdoors. “Dear stop!” shouted her grandmother. “Whoa! What? Is something wrong grandma?” asked Petra. “Yes look at yourself, dear,” said a worried grandmother. Petra did indeed look down at her body and shocked herself when she realized when she was still in, what she considered, her ‘pajamas’. “Holy crap! That’s four times that I almost went outside like this. Phew, thanks grandma…” said Petra embarrassed as she walked towards her room to change. “I’m quite surprised that you forget that you’re like that. I’m sure the boys would enjoy it if you ever managed to actually step outside though,” said her grandmother jokingly. “Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. Maybe I should start wearing clothes when I sleep,” replied Petra.