Fire blazed as far as the eyes could see. Screams of plea to help echoed the world. Cuddled in tight with the blanket, I jerked with every sound. The alarm blared non-stop due to the never ending invasion of the nighloks. Unable to sleep, I twist and turn, my heart beat becoming erotic by every passing minute. 

Finally, unable to find sleep, wounding the blanket tightly around me, I walk to my sister's room. Slowly opening the door, I peered my head through, coming face to face with a frantic Lauren who was busy packing a bag.

"Where are you going?" I ask, startling her due to my sudden presence. "Sweetie!" She exclaimed. "I'm just..., you know... Um."

I make my way towards her bed and try to climb on it to sit myself. Lauren lifts me from behind, making the rest of the journey to the top of the bed seem easy. Seating myself comfortably, I said, "I can't sleep."

"I see," she cooed. "Alarm keeping you up?" She smiled.

"Yeah...," I replied. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" Her face immediately turned into remorse.

"Sweetie, not today," she tried explaining. "I have to go somewhere..."

"Where?" I tilt my head. "Somewhere I can't tell you about."

"Why?" I asked, now pouting.

"Sweetie look," she said, suddenly looking serious. "Things are changing. We may or may not be together from today." When I started to sob silently, she added, "not forever, of course."

"But it is time for you to start acting on your own. I know it is too early and I know it is unfair, but this is how life is..."

"Who will give me hugs and cuddle me when I can't sleep?" I ask. She looks at me with a sad smile. Suddenly, she removes the jacket she was wearing and fastens it around me. It looked more like a gown on me. "There... now you can have infinite hugs from me whenever you like."

I smile looking at the jacket, holding it tight against me like a dragon guarding its treasure. "OK?" She asked and I happily shook my head an yes. "Good, now go back to your room and go to sleep, OK?"

"Ok," I said and jumped off the bed, making my way out the door again. For the final time, I turn to look at my sweet sister, only to find her face streaming with tears. As I was halfway to my room, the house turned into chaos. Turning around, I saw Ji dragging Lauren out in a hurry. Scared to the bones, I dashed back towards my room, only to collide with Jayden. Standing up himself and helping me up,we both watched helplessly as our sister was taken away in a horse. 

Soon, Ji came in and said, "Jayden, come on, your father wants to meet you."

As Jayden headed out with Ji, I stood behind the huge door and peeked at the scene unfolding in front of me. I wasn't able to hear any of their conversations but it was certain that Dad was serious, clad in his power ranger suite. After handing Jayden his zord, he turned to leave on the request of the blue ranger. At that moment, his eyes momentarily caught mine. He smiled at me, though the smile didn't reach his eyes like it usually does. I smiled to, suddenly feeling depressed by the way he looked at me. With a deep breath, he took off wearing his helmet.

Jayden walked back in, curiously examining his new toy– the lion zord. "What's his name?" I beamed once he was near. "I don't think he has one," Jayden said, a little less enthusiastic than I was. 

"That's so sad," I pouted. "I'll name him... Leo." My brother smiled affectionately at the zord which was now performing loop-de-loops. "I think he likes it," he said, making me giggle.

Suddenly, the explosions increased. The battle cry reverberated from all directions. Ji came towards us with two people. The woman and the man looked kind, their eyes filled with sorrow for someone and they were looking at me. Where they feeling sorrow for me?

"Bloom dear," Ji spoke up. "They are close friends of your dad from India. They want to take you with them to their home. They will take good care of you..."

"NO!" I screamed. "I am not leaving Jay! I am not leaving Dad! I am not leaving home"

"They would be really good parents to you. Their home can be your home. They love you so much!" Ji tried to reason. But all I did was close my ears and throw a tantrum screaming, "NO! NO! NO! NO!..."

Jayden placed his hand on my arm, making me pull my fingers out of my ears. I looked at him expectantly. "If you go with them," he said. "I would buy you that locket you always wanted."

"Guitar pendant?!" I asked with sparkles in my eyes. "Yes, that," Jayden confirmed. I giggled happily but then remembered I have to leave him if I agreed. "But I don't want to leave you," I pouted.

"We will meet again," he promised. "And when we meet again, I would be waiting for you with that locket in hand, eagerly waiting for your arrival."

"OK," I said with a pout. "Promise me we'll meet again?!"

The woman crouched down to my level and said, "Don't worry baby. I'll make sure you are reunited with your family again." With that promise in mind, I accepted and was taken outside as I kept looking at my brother. Swiftly, I was mounted on a horse and we took off.

The horse journeyed through the middle of the battle scene.

Wake up!

My eyes immediately found my dad. Supporting himself on his Fire Saber, he was directly facing Master Xandred. 

Wake up... Wake up!

Xandred took out his sword and hit my dad...

WAKE UP!!

The vase on my night stand shattered to pieces. My back hit the head board as I scrambled behind. The wind flowed in through the window very calmly, contrasting my raged breath. My breath hitched at my throat as my body shaked vigorously. My cheeks dampened with tears that I couldn't control. 

"What's wrong?" Jayden barged in through the door with Ji following close behind. I tried to answer but couldn't find the words. My hand clutched at my new locket that was now draped across my neck, desperately trying to ground myself. 

"I'll take care of this," I heard Jayden tell Ji. Soon he was by my side, slipping himself in the sheets beside me. Draping an arm around my shoulder, he pulled me in and I immediately melted into his embrace. He didn't say anything, allowing me to calm myself in the silent peace.

Finally when my tremors subsided, he asked, "Wanna talk about it?"

Taking a deep breath in, I said, "Memories have once again started to invade my nightmares."

He didn't say anything, instead pulled me closer to him, tighter. "I miss dad," I finally said, tears finding its way back to my face. After a long gap, he said, "I miss him too."

We both sat in silence, revealing in each other's silent company. Stroking my hair slowly, he said, "you should go back to sleep. We have a shopping spree tomorrow, remember?"

I breathed out a laugh. "And while you sleep, I'll just clean up this mess," he grunted as he stood up. Looking down, I see that the vase had gone to pieces. "S-sorry," I said feeling guilty since both Jayden and Ji brought the vase filled with flowers convincing me that it would be a great decor.

"That's alright," he said and walked out, soon coming back in with a broom and dustpan in hand. His concentration solely went on cleaning as I lay comfortably on my bed, watching his dedication with admiration. "You know," he said, "maybe we'll get you something unbreakable for your safety purposes."

"That would be great," I said with a hoarse voice. Soon Jayden was done. Crouching beside my bed and ruffling my hair, he said, "if you have anymore nightmares, just call me, OK? I'm just few rooms down."

I smiled gratefully and nodded an OK. With satisfaction on his face, he left as he saw me get comfortable on my bed, leaving me alone to the sounds of the rustling leaves in the woods.

Lying in this darkness, I wondered if I would ever get a proper sleep in this place...

Getting up and rummaging through my closet, I pull out the jacket– Lauren's jacket and wear it. The only object I can touch right now without being plunged down the memory lane. It was a correct fit for me. I never got how an eight year old's jacket fit a fifteen year old but I guess some things are just how it is.

I really wanted Jayden to stay with me and I know he would if I ask him, but I want him to get proper rest. I don't want him awake because of me. In that case, Lauren's jacket was my second closest substitution.

Wish I could meet her too, but I for certain know we'll meet, because that's what family is...

I lie back down on my bed and close my eyes and hope to fall asleep. 

Wish tomorrow's a better day...