"A family," Ariella whispered, her voice filled with a warmth that made Samuel's heart ache. "Like we always dreamed."
For months, Ariella had stayed inside. Not because she was weak, but because she was strong. The Prime Minister's wife needed privacy, a moment of peace. Only Zara, Fatuma, and Nasra came to visit. Then, one day, Ariella said, "Samuel, it's time. The time for our wish."
Samuel's heart jumped. He called Zara and Nasra. They drove quickly to hospital.
The next day, a small cry filled the air.
Sound of a baby's soft cry, then gentle cooing.
"It's a girl," Samuel said, his voice thick with emotion. "Amora. She's perfect."
"Gentle and graceful," Ariella said, holding their daughter close. "Just like her name."
"Everything's changed," Samuel said, looking at Amora. "The world it feels lighter."
"Even with the work," Ariella said, her eyes never leaving their daughter. "She makes it all possible."
"I can't stay away," Samuel said, his voice full of wonder. "She's amazing."
"You're smitten," Ariella said, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "The Prime Minister, charmed by a tiny human."
"She holds my finger," Samuel said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Amora giggled. Ariella smiled. Love made her strong. Amora was everything. Amora's mother, a leader, now just a mom. She cared for her child. That was her world.
Amora saw the world new. Flowers were bright. Sunsets were magic. Ariella saw it too. Their home changed. No more big meetings. Now, baby sounds. Happy sounds.
Hope filled the air. Joy too. Love was everywhere. They were parents. Mama and Baba. They loved Amora. Stories. Songs. Sleepy breaths. Tiny chest moving.
Amora was hope. For everyone. A new future. A bright day. She was why they fought. A good world for kids. All kids.
"Amora grew fast. Joy filled their days. She learned. She explored. Her mind, bright. They taught her good things. Kindness. Fairness. Justice. Love for all.
Amora's world, new. Better than theirs. Strong nation. Fair laws. Love's work. Her family's gift. A good life.
They looked at her. Their best work. Not just a nation. A family. Love held them close. Their values, her path. A better world, always.
Amora. Their hope. Their dream. Love made real. Love changed lives. Love shaped tomorrow.
Then, a sound. A soft whisper. Not a knock. Samuel stopped. Ariella's breath caught. 'What was that?' she asked. Low voice. Amora slept on.
"The Dome hummed, a deep, strong sound. Thirty thousand faces, turned up to the light. Soft glow filled the air. A feeling, big and strong. Everyone waited.
Amora stood still. Center stage. Calm and sure. Her dress, lines of light. They moved like the sky above. Every breath, every move, loud in the Dome.
Stars were her story. Not small lights. Living things. Her voice, low and smooth. 'Stars are islands,' she said. 'In a big, dark sea.'
The Dome changed then. The roof became space. Colors moved. Planets spun. Stars seemed to live. To breathe. Light filled the place.
Nebulas swirled, bright and deep. Planets moved, slow and grand. Stars pulsed, a soft light. The Dome was alive. With stars, with life.
Then, a small change.
"The Dome's lights moved. Space filled the view. Amora's words, and the lights, made it real. The crowd left the world behind.
'There,' Amora said, her voice soft. 'Avis, the bird. Wings of light.' A bird appeared, bright and real. 'And there, Franco, the hunter. He walks the dark space.'
Franco showed up. Strong and bright. Light shaped him. The crowd saw them. Avis. Franco. Real in light. Wonder filled the Dome.
Avis shimmered. Franco moved. The crowd gasped. Eyes wide. They saw the stars. Real stars. Not just lights.
Amora's voice, low and warm. The stars glowed. Avis, Franco. They moved. The Dome was full of light. Full of wonder.
Then, a small change. A flicker. The lights, just a bit. Amora's eyes, changed. Sharp now. She looked up. The stars, Avis and Franco, stayed bright. But the air changed. A cold feeling. A waiting feeling. Something was about to happen, but what?"
"A young man stood. Patrick. Near the front. His hand raised. Amora stopped. Her eyes moved across the crowd. 'Yes, Patrick?'
'Dark Nebula stories?' he asked. His voice, tight. 'Stars that vanish? In dark space?'
Amora smiled, soft and slow. 'Ah, Dark Nebula,' she said. 'A story for another night. But, Patrick, even in dark, there is light.'
Then, Nasra stood up. 'Amora,' she said. 'A strange dream. A crystal city. Melting, slow.'
'Nasra,' Amora said. 'A dream. Crystal means clear, strong. Melting? Change. Or loss. Maybe, your life changes. Like the city.' She looked around. 'Rich? Suzan? You look confused.'
Rich spoke. 'A river,' he said. 'Flowing back. Not forward.' Suzan nodded, silent.
'A river back,' Amora said. 'Order changed. Or things go back. To where they began.' She paused. Her eyes, sharp. 'Strange dreams,' she said. 'Dark space, melting cities, rivers back. All of you.'
The Dome's light flickered, just a bit. Stars on the roof, dimmed a little. A cold feeling, in the air. A question. What did these dreams mean? And why now, all at once?'"
"Amora told her story. Dreams and stars, all mixed in. The crowd watched, still and quiet.
The Dome emptied. Amora stayed. Stars faded. Soft light filled the space. She closed her eyes. Dreams filled her mind.
Nasra's city, melting. Rich's river, flowing back. Not just dreams. Pieces of something big. A city changing.
She touched the stage. A low hum. A picture flashed in her mind. Mirrors. Long halls. City shapes, twisted. A heartbeat, soft at first, then loud.
'Mirrored halls,' she said, low. 'Our own lies. What we don't see.'
She felt a pull. A tug on her mind. The beat grew. Like her own heart.
A cold feeling. Something hidden. Something waiting. These dreams. Not just dreams. Warnings. Things to come.
The hum grew. The lights, low. The stage felt cold. Amora's breath, tight. What was hiding in the dreams? What was about to be seen?"