She is not just one, but of many—a keeper, a flame, a forgotten vow.
Each word she learns pulls her further from the world she thought was hers.
~~~~~
Her breathing slows down. A wave of horror crashes through her as she bolts upright, heart pounding. She stumbles back, pressing herself into the farthest corner of the room. Her mind in shambles. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?" She yells.
The lady smirks casually, "I just told you—I am a forest spirit. I can come whenever I want."
"Am I dreaming?" Ahmaya mutters, pinching the skin of her forearm. It stings, she flinches.
"You are not." The lady replies gently. "Relax. Please calm down. I'm not here to scare you."
Ahmaya exhales shakily and moves, sits streight on the bed, her legs still quivering. She watches the woman with narrowed eyes. Everything about her feels… off. Strange. Unsettling.
None of this makes sense.
"You said you're a forest spirit," Ahmaya says, her voice more steady now. "What does that even mean?"
The spirit leans in, her expression unreadable. "Before I explain anything, tell me who you are."
"I already told you everything I know," Ahmaya snaps. "Now it's your turn, Miss Spirit."
"You're not insane," the woman says softly. " I can sense the honesty in your eyes."
Ahmaya lets out a bitter laugh. "What, so you're here to give me a certificate of sanity?"
The spirit spreads her arms, closes her eyes, and draws in a long breath, as though absorbing something unseen. "Your aura," she murmurs. "I sensed it from the beginning. You are definitely one of us."
"Speak clearly," Ahmaya says, her voice sharp. "Stop being cryptic."
"You said I was in your dreams," the woman continues. "I don't visit anyone's dreams unless it's extremely important . Also….I don't remember you. I don't know when or why I came to you. Still, I knew you were telling the truth. I couldn't ignore you. Something's happening that even I don't fully understand."
Ahmaya sighs and rubs her forehead. "Great. I'm glad you believe me. I still have no clue what you are. Just please…. Help me get back home."
The forest spirit sits beside her, eyes softening. "Where is your home?"
Ahmaya hesitates. "I live in Mawphlang… or, I did. In the year 2025. One day, I touched the trunk of a scandalwood tree and felt this intense pain in my chest—like something was being torn out of me—and when I opened my eyes, I was in 1935."
The spirit's eyes widen. "You time-traveled?"
Yes, perhaps I did. I mean… I must have. But I still don't understand how or why." Ahmaya's voice lowers. "You were in my dreams before this happened. You used to appear, just like today, and once… you said 'Help me'. "
The woman's face clouds with confusion and awe. But before anything else, she needs to be sure "can I hold your hand?"
Ahmaya hesitates, then extends her right hand. "Alright… sure."
The spirit takes her hand and closes her eyes, breathing in slowly.
When she opens them again, they're glowing with certainty. "I knew it."
"What?" Ahmaya whispers.
"You are an Aokma."
"I know I am from the Aokma community," Ahmaya says, irritation rising. "Why everyone here is so obsessed with these labels?"
"Are you aware of your power and role?"
"What power? What role?" Ahmaya asks, genuinely baffled.
"The role god assigned you" replies the forest spirit in uncertainty.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Ahmaya says, shaking her head.
"I know the Aokmas of this time...but you are from 2025, as you said. I don't know anything about you…only that you are one of us."
Ahmaya stares at her, wide-eyed and overwhelmed. Her heart races. Everything feels an illusion.
The forest spirit extends her hand. "Come, I will explain everything."
Ahmaya looks at her hand. She feels unclear and nervous.
How can she trust a stranger—one from her dreams—when she doesn't even trust her own senses anymore?
"Trust me kid," the spirit says softly, her voice offering warmth "come".
Ahmaya places her hand into the spirit's. The woman steps onto the windowsill like she's about to leap—but Ahmaya yanks her hand back.
"Wait! what are you doing?!"
"Is something wrong?" the lady asks.
"Why are my feet...lifting off the ground?" Ahmaya's voice cracks with panic.
The spirit chuckles. "Just close your eyes. We'll be there in a heartbeat."
Ahmaya clenches her jaw… and shuts her eyes.
.
"Open your eyes" the forest spirit whispers.
"Where are we?" she asks, curiosity lacing her voice.
"We're in my jungle. This forest is my home," the woman replies. "I am an Aokma, just like you. God has commanded me to preserve and safeguard nature and trees."
She steps forward and smiles softly. "These trees are my family. They listen to me, speak to me… and I protect them, along with this territory."
"Okay… so what is it about the Aokma community that I don't know?"
"A lot. There is much you don't know." The spirit replies.
"Then tell me," Ahmaya insists, her eyes filled with questions.
"The Aokma community exists to defend what God has created. We live beside His creations and protect them."
"So.... does that mean I can also defend the forest like you?" she asks, trying to make sense of it all.
"No. Each Aokma is tasked with protecting different creatures. You have to discover yours."
Ahmaya hesitates, "How does this all relate to me being here?" she finally asks.