Days pass. The once lively, warm castle becomes filled with cold whispers and commands. Vira, now twelve, is no longer the sunshine of the kingdom. She stays quiet, emotionless, obedient. Her mother tends to her like a gardener forcing a rose to bloom—beautiful, yet full of thorns.
"Dear Vira, don't you like roses with thorns? Beauty turning into pain… so inspiring, isn't it?"
"Yes, 'mother'. It's meaningful. Truly inspiring," Vira replies in a monotone voice.
"Of course I'm right! Now, check on your brother. Did he take his pills? And have you taken yours?"
"Of course, 'mother'. We care about our health. We'll never doubt you."
"Good. Go on, then."
Vira nods and walks to her brother's room. She hears clapping, creaking… She ignores it. Pretends. Take five deep breaths. Knocks three times.
"May I come in, Vireo? Did you take your pills?"
Her 'father' answers, "He took them, honey. Tell mother that. And remember—don't tell~"
She flinches. "A-alright… Vireo! I'll tell 'mother' now!" She walks away. Guilt weighing on her chest.
Wait—did I mention? I've been using "rose" and "thorns" throughout this story. Clever, huh? The story… is it 'nice'?
Vira keeps walking, eyes downcast. Her 'mother's' words echo in her head. That line… it will haunt her forever. But why? You'll understand soon. For now… it's not time.
She bumps into her 'mother'.
"I-I'm sorry, 'mother'!"
The queen chuckles. "No worries, dear. Is your brother still in his room?"
Trying to change the subject, Vira asks, "How are your roses, 'mother'? Which grows first—the rose or the thorns? Can you teach me?"
Her 'mother' 'smiles.' A fake smile. Vira knows now—she finally sees through it.
"How about you fetch 'mother's' book from the library? I need to check on Vireo dear, so I know you aren't… Lying…"
Something in her voice—still sweet, but suspicious. Vira's mind races. "She's onto us." Her eyes widened slightly.
"I'll go tell Vireo that you're checking on him!" she blurts and quickly walks away.
She knocks on the door. "Vireo? 'Mother's' coming to check on you!"
Her 'father' dresses up. Vira whispers, "You can come out, 'father'. She can't see us unless you're wearing bright colors."
He smiles. "Thank you, deary~ I have a gift for you. No pills today. Just stay quiet. I'll show you how to… play with your toy~"
He giggles.
Vira stands frozen. Eyes wide. Stomach sickness. She wants to puke.
She wants to scream.
She wants to tell someone.
But how can she, when even her 'mother' has shattered her heart like glass?
"What is it… that I want to puke out?"
Her 'father' slips away.
Vira breathes deeply. Again. And again. But it doesn't help.
She returns to her 'mother.'
"So, dear. Does Vireo know I'm coming?"
"Yes, 'mother'," Vira lies, trying to change the topic. "I'll grab the book now."
"Go ahead, dear~"
She walks off, sighing. "Why?... Why us? What did me and Vireo do to our 'parents'?"