Anna Khushrenada

Cosmic Castaway

Anna Khushrenada

The war was finally over, but Lady Une regretted that she was not allowed to go with it. Half of her spirit had died today... but it could be renewed. Something else had happened on this day, four years earlier. A child was born... her child... and his. Her name was Anna, Anna Khushrenada. She was born four years before her father's death, a father that never knew anything of her. Une had meant to tell him, after the war, once they were officially engaged. In a second the dream was shattered... her entire life... except for Anna.

She was fast asleep when Une stepped into her four-year-old's bedroom. "She has some temperature, I am afraid, My Lady," her nurse, Hineraukatauri, said in her slow, simple English. Hine was from a Polynesian colony that had been destroyed earlier on. She was one of the very few survivors, thanks to Lady Une. Hine was then ten, now fifteen, and more than eager to repay Une for saving her life. She had taken care of Anna since she was born, and the only living soul to know of her existence.

Une nodded gently and entered Anna's room. She sat on the edge of Anna's bed and brushed a long strand of light brown hair that had strewn across her face. Droplets of sweat beaded her hot forehead, her eyebrows knitted in pain. Hine walked in carrying a bowl of hot water and a rag. "I will stay with her if you want, My Lady."

Une shook her head. "I would rather look after her myself." Hine nodded and laid the bowl down on the nightstand by the bed. "You may go, Hine."

"Thank you, My Lady." She bobbed a curtsy and left.

Une took the rag and dipped it in the water, wringing it as she lifted it out again. She placed the rag on Anna's forehead, then stroked the side of each cheek, whispering, "Your father knows about you now, dear one, and he will always be with you."

Three years, and another death. Mariemaya had been ill the entire two years that she lived with Une, and finally she died. It was peaceful, though, and she was satisfied with her life. She had said on her deathbed, "Thank you, Mother. Please kiss my sister on the cheek for me and tell her I love her. I love you, too." She passed away with a smile.

Anna was outside crying in Hine's arms when Une walked out. "Will... will she be alright?" she sniffed.

Une smiled at her and pulled her close. "Yes, Anna. She is at peace now."

Anna understood, and smiled as more tears rolled down her face. Une held her close, thinking back through Mariemaya's life. How when she'd first arrived Anna climbed onto her lap, and said, "Hello, Sister! It's nice to meet you!" They had always gotten along so well. And now, that was also over.