If there was ever a time I would pray to the Almighty, it would be now. I was ready for redemption. Only a miracle would take me to the other side. I rested my back on the cold wall by the window of my room. If walls could talk, they would have spoken about my fear and restlessness for weeks unending. All alone, petrified, and unsure of my fate.
Scooping the last can of cheese with my fingers, I thought about my family and whether they were safe. My father's voice rang in my head. He would always say to me; Zorra, did you know that we all have angels each to guide us? you need to just open your doors believe. Receive the divine and watch the almighty send them to protect you. But you my darling, you are my angel sent here on earth.
It's been three weeks since the resistance took over our city. It's been a long time coming ever since a group of notorious radicals came together three years ago to revolt against the present government. From little destruction and havoc here and there, the government turned a blind eye to the uprising until it was too late to be curbed. They had established a massive interstate connection and crept in the dark until they finally took over the capital city While we watched.
The day our city fell before our eyes was a nightmare never to be forgotten. They came like demons at night and our once beautiful capital turned into ashes. Many people ran to the government house for safety. A good number of people were evacuated to the neighboring city. I believe my family were saved except for me. I was working the night shift at the state hospital. I and many others didn't make it in time to be rescued.
Ever since, I'd been living in our half-shattered home too afraid to go outside. I was running out of food and essentials but it was too dangerous to go outside. The rebels were out unleashing their doom upon anyone in sight. Like many other survivors I was in hiding for three weeks but it seemed like forever.
The last radio signal I heard before all power was cut, all citizens were asked to make it to the west gate of the city. Rescue was there waiting to move citizens to the next state.
‘But was I going to make it out alive?’ I stared at the broken cabinets, empty packs of food scattered across the wooden floors, broken louvers and glasses. The scene reeked of abandonment. I knew it was time to go. I would not last longer without food and water.
The rebels had taken over and were all over the city. I looked outside my window like a thief watching the still darkness. I could see wrecked buildings, abandoned cars, and destruction everywhere. Within that chaos was a form emerging from the darkness.
I steadied my focus and I could clearly see a man approaching. He seemed to be walking in the direction of my home. Fear washed all over me. I felt a knot tighten in my throat. I clenched my hands to my chest as if to quiet my pounding heart.
‘The rebels have found me’. Hot tears poured down uncontrollably from my eyes. When he reached the door, he stopped for a few seconds, looked intensely at my window and then knocked at the door.
I was terrified to say the least. He had seen me perhaps. However, I wondered why a rebel would knock at my door and not force himself in. I needed to decide whether to run or stay. I would run straight into the calling arms of danger if I ran. Staying wasn't also going to guarantee me a place in heaven.
So I chose my fate and stayed. I swallowed hard and went for the door. Another bang and my heart skipped two beats. I'm not sure what propelled me but I had just enough nerves to open the door. As soon as I did, I bowed. I wasn't going to meet eyes with him.
“Zorra! Do not be afraid. It is time to go!” He let out his hands. I was shocked to hear him say my name. I raised my head slowly to face the most breathtaking man I had ever seen. I lacked the words to describe his details, out of this world. It was like a ray of light shined upon me. A clear contrast to his all-black pants and t-shirt.
Mesmerized by his features, I took his hands and followed his lead. For the first time in weeks, I saw ruins but I wasn't afraid. I felt at peace. As surreal as it was, we ventured through the wreck to the city gates unnoticed. I thought we were invisible.
“How did we even make it this far and who are you?” I asked perplexed
“You opened your doors. You received the divine. It is my life long duty to guide and protect you. There! That is where you ought to be”. He pointed towards the gates barricaded with wires and barrels by soldiers.
My eyes followed his fingers. When I turned back, he was gone like the wind. Only a piece of white twinkling feather dangled in the air.
“My angel?” I whispered in disbelief.