There is Beauty in Darkness

Chapter 1: Silent Prayer from a lowly Gypsy

Disclaimer: In this story, my main character Miri is fifteen years old. This is her age as, based on the research I've done, Roma girls tend to get married at 15-16, or 15-17 depending on the group as women at age 20-24 have given birth before 18. The boys of these communities tend to marry at 18-19. And while certain people in this will use the term "gypsy" as a derogatory word, Miri and her people would be using it in a more positive light. "Gypsy" can also mean a nomadic or free-spirited person. Miri and her people are driven by the quest for freedom and experience, as well as their desire to help people. 

The little child cried softly as she tried to sleep. She found it to be exceedingly difficult to do so. Despite being in a warm tent with her mother and father sleeping on both sides, despite them being protected, it did not waver the child's fear when the heard the unholy snarls, howls and clicks the creaturs of the night would make.

She let out a weak whimper as she continued to cry when various shadows flew overhead. The sound awoke her parents and they lovingly gazed down at their sweet child. The mother reached over and ran a gentle hand through her hair, soothing the child of her fears. "Little snowdrop, what ails you so? What has caused you so much distress?" Her father asked her.

The girl sniffled as she hides underneath her blanket. She looked up to her parents as she whispered, "The...the monsters of the night... I hear them. The monsters that live in darkness...I can hear them. I am frightened by them and the dark, father. Father, please rid me of those creatures." She cried as she wrapped her little arms around her father. Her child-like mind believed that maybe her father would make all the bad dreams disappear.

Her parents looked at each other for a moment before turning to their trembling daughter. Her father gently set her down on her pillow and her mother tucked her back in. "There, there. It'll be alright. We are safe and we are protected. The night won't hurt us." Her mother said. The small child wasn't convinced. "B-but...they're still out there...in the darkness... They're waiting..." She said.

Her father stroked her head and said, "Hush my child. Do not fear. The dark may be frightening and unforgiving...but you mustn't the fear of the unknown control you. The darkness cannot hurt you for you are stronger than it. Ease your mind and calm your heart. If you ever find yourself in total darkness then search for the light. For the light you'll find will show you that there is nothing to fear. Be strong and have faith."

It was dead of night. The atmosphere is still and silent, like a photograph. Cold. dark. And it was almost nearing winter. A time where people would be inside of their homes and be warm. Not one person is out this late, and those who dare roam the streets at this time usually hurry home before being seen – and caught – by the creature. One girl knew this fact better than anyone. She kept walking. She couldn't stop moving. She couldn't sleep. Not yet anyway. She couldn't let her guard down just yet. She didn't feel safe yet. Don't stop moving. Keep going. Just a bit longer.

They could still be following her. Watching her. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. While she was aware that it might be impossible at this hour, she didn't want to take any chances. Either one of the creatures might be stalking her right now. Either one is just as dangerous as they appear to be. She needed to find a safe place before she could think to get some sleep for the night. And she must do it quickly.

Why was she left on her own? Did she not have a family? Why was she left to fend for herself? Why her family was taken away? Why was she so hated? Just because she and her family were a little different...? And because of what they were, to the others, it made perfect sense and their actions were justified. It's not fair. The world is not fair.