She looked so much like her mother that her little mind couldn't understand. Why is another Mama chasing us? she had thought back then, tears burning her eyes.
The next flash came sharper. Her parents running down a narrow stairway at the edge of the arena, then a hidden doorway opening to a dim underground chamber.
Her mother crouched before her, still out of focus, face half shadowed. Her hands cupped the little girl's cheeks, trembling as she tried to smile.
"Dew drop," her mother whispered, her voice breaking. "You'll live a beautiful life. Do you hear me? No matter what happens… we love you."
The sound of footsteps approached, the pursuers were close. Her father touched his wife's shoulder. "We have to go."
Little Anastasia clutched her mother's gown. "Don't leave me mommy, daddy. I'm sacred!" she cried, shaking her head violently.
Her mother kissed her forehead, tears falling onto her cheeks. Then the door slammed shut, leaving Nnenna in the dark.
