LOST IN THE ECHO OF YOU

SECRETS IN THE DUST

As Amara emerged from the forest, the sunlight seemed harsher, the colors of the village too bright. Her mind spun, flooded with the sorrowful memories Imara had shown her. She was back in her world, but Imara’s pain and bitterness clung to her like the lingering scent of smoke. Every step felt heavy, burdened with the weight of her ancestor’s fate.

When she reached the edge of the village, she saw Jabari waiting. His face lit up as she approached, but his expression quickly turned to concern when he saw the haunted look in her eyes.

"Amara," he said gently, falling into step beside her. "You went to the shrine, didn’t you?"

Amara nodded, her voice low. "Yes… and I saw her. I saw Imara."

Jabari’s eyebrows shot up, a mixture of awe and disbelief crossing his face. “You really saw her? Like, her spirit?”

“Yes. And it’s worse than I thought, Jabari. She was… betrayed. Her life ended because of someone close to her, someone she trusted.” She shook her head, the weight of Imara’s story pressing down on her heart. “She can’t rest until the truth of her death is uncovered. I have to find out what happened.”

Jabari’s expression softened as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “You’re brave, Amara. I can’t imagine what you saw, but you don’t have to do this alone. We’ll find the answers together.”

She looked up, meeting his gaze. Jabari’s calm presence felt like a balm to the turmoil within her, and she felt a surge of gratitude for him. “Thank you, Jabari. I don’t know where to begin… but maybe Muna does.”

Without hesitation, they made their way to Muna’s hut. When they arrived, they found her waiting at the door, her eyes filled with quiet understanding.

“I felt her spirit touch you, child,” Muna said as they stepped inside. “Imara’s story is not just a tale from long ago. It’s woven into the very soil of this village.”

Amara took a deep breath, the urgency of Imara’s plight filling her with determination. “Nana, do you know anything about what happened to her? About the people who betrayed her?”

Muna’s face grew solemn. “The story of Imara has faded over the years, but some remember pieces of it. She was once the village’s most respected warrior, leading her people through times of hardship. But jealousy and fear can poison even the purest of hearts. There were those who feared her strength, who envied her place of honor.”

She paused, her gaze distant. “Imara was betrayed by someone who wanted her gone—a close companion. But no one knows who it was. Her story was buried, her memory all but erased. The elders believed if they forgot her, the curse of her restless spirit would not haunt the village.”

Amara clenched her fists, anger bubbling up within her. “That’s why she’s bound to this place. Her spirit can’t rest because of their lies.”

Muna nodded. “Yes. And the path to freeing her will not be easy. There are those in the village, descendants of those who wronged her, who may not want this story unearthed. The truth might be dangerous.”

Jabari stepped forward, his voice steady. “Then we’ll be careful. Amara and I can look into it without drawing attention. We can ask around, find out which families are connected to Imara’s story.”

Muna nodded approvingly, though worry lingered in her eyes. “Start by speaking with the oldest members of the village. They may know fragments of the tale that can guide you. But tread carefully—some memories are best left undisturbed.”

As they left Muna’s hut, Amara felt a spark of hope amid the tension. She had a path forward, and with Jabari by her side, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

But as they walked back through the village, she couldn’t shake the feeling that unseen eyes were watching her, aware of her intentions. Imara’s story was hidden for a reason, buried deep in the dust of history. And as they moved forward, Amara knew that uncovering it would not come without a price.