Menda

In the center of the town of Abingmar, there was a sealed box wrapped in rope so no one could open it. The legend that surrounded it told children to stay away from it. 

 

One day an imposing man entered the town. After two steps, he fell to the ground weak and feeble. The townspeople tried to bring him to a doctor but he fought them begging them to listen to him. 

 

He talked about his coat and how it spoke charming words that would promise you anything. Instead, it was a monster that took everything you had, using the person as a battery and giving nothing back. He begged them to destroy it and if they couldn't hide it away forever.

 

He died soon after never making it to the doctor. The story goes, the coat never said a word but the town did what he asked. They could never figure out how to destroy it so they put it in the center of town as both a warning and also as a headstone for the man.

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Menda's parents were traveling merchants, though they didn't have to go far or often. They were one of the few who brought supplies into town. When she was younger, the family traveled together. But once she was six years old, they decided she was old enough to stay home with her sister. After that, they would leave every two weeks to get new supplies. The three of them kept up that schedule for a year.

 

“Do you have to go?” Menda said, grabbing onto her mom’s leg. 

 

Menda's mom chuckled, patting her head. “How else would we get you gifts?” 

 

Menda frowned. “I don't need gifts. I need you two.”

 

“I know, but your sister is staying, too. She’ll take care of you till we get back.”

 

Menda hugged her leg before looking back up at her mom. "So I can stay up as late as I want?”

 

Menda’s mom shook her head. "That will be up to your sister.” Menda frowned. "We’ll be back in two weeks like always. Okay?”

 

Menda sighed but nodded her head. She watched as her sister Algera helped her dad finish packing the carriage before the two sisters gave their parents one last hug each before waving goodbye. The family didn’t know that would be the last time all of them talked.

 

It was two weeks later when Algera shook Menda awake. "Hey, come on, get up.” Menda mumbled, pushing Algera’s hand off her shoulder. “You said to get you up as early as possible because it’s the day they get back.”

 

“Who?” Menda rubbed her eyes as she looked at Algera.