Her Kingdom Is In Flames

Carli retreats to her safe place - more secrets are revealed.

Carli was running home, tears flying from her lashes. Stop it. Stop it right now. But the tears wouldn’t stop. The bus stop seemed farther from home than it ever had.  The scent of roses soon arrived, and she knew she was home.

Here it was. The smallest library in California. Her mother’s.

“Home” never referred to the place she lived. Even when her father asked her where she was, she would say “I’m home” and he would come get her from the library.  

Carli hadn’t been to the library in a year, not since...

It smelled of roses and cinnamon and fresh ink. The good kind, too. Her mother never hesitated to supply her library with the best of the best.

Carli made her way to the left corner of the library, where her life had changed forever.

It was a year and a day ago.

Carli slumped to the carpeted floors. I love you, mom.

Sobs.

“Mom, where does this one go?” Carli asked.

*Carolina took the book and placed it on a high shelf. “Those go at the  top.”

“Why can’t they be lower? I read those the most.”

“The best things in life don’t go on the bottom shelf, for everyone to see and touch. They go on top, where they are safe.”

That was the last thing Carolina Starr* Sr. ever said.

Author's Note

*"Carolina"* refers to Carli's mother, not Carli. They have the same name.

Reviews

[Haneefah]

I love the suspense, the flashback. In fact I love your style

[Julia]

very nice, story is intriguing. Will definitely read more when I have more time.

[SilverInk]

Thanks for your review, Julia!

[Julia]

no problem

[skiiish367]

Ah! The emotions! I love this chapter! It's so strong, and with the flashback..it makes me want to cry T-T

[SilverInk]

Happy to know that I made a reader feel something. Thanks for reading!

[Geodan]

This is good! I like how you hinted at the mom being dead, but didn't reveal it until later. You are keeping thing a mystery and that is what keeps people reading. Can't wait for more chapters!

[SilverInk]

Will do. Thanks so much!