"Clover, really? Again?" My mother kneeled by me, looking at me with disapproval.
I refused to look at her.
She put an arm around me. "Dinner is ready. Walk with me?" As we stood, she slide her hand to mine, and grasped it tightly as we walked. "You know, no one approves of what you do. But no matter, I still love you Clover."
As we reached the dining room, she let go of my hand to go sit. I sat between my little brother Quinine and my baby sister Armillaria. We were all silent as my father walked in and sat at the head of the table.
Soon, our food was brought out and we continued the silence as they ate. I however, picked at the roasted locust on the plate, not being interested in fleshy death. Shortly, my siblings excused themselves and went off to their rooms. As I too stood, my father stopped me.
"Clover. Wait a minute." His deep and raspy voice cut the silence. "You know, since my brother and nephew passed, no one takes regrowth kindly. And you also know I don't take kindly to your passion of the green either. That is why the patriarchs have given me an ultimatum. To watch you die by their hands, or to kill you myself."
I nodded in understanding. I have always been different. My less than grey complexion was only the physical sign. But my passion, that truly set me apart.
"And I," He continued, "cannot watch them kill my daughter." I nodded again, this time kneeling at his feet, ready for my honorable death. "But neither can I kill you Clover. So I want you to get up and run. Never return here. I know the Jinn may not accept you either, but you are brave. And I have faith in that alone."
He grabbed my hand, lifting me to my feet. "Go."
Slowly I backed up. "Yes, father." I looked down at mother one last time; she was unwilling to look me in the eyes. Hesitantly, I turned and ran.