EARTH'S DEFENDERS: battle for survival

Summer break was over, and Agatha had to leave for the city to attend college. She tried to hide her excitement, tried to tuck it behind a calm smile, but Denise saw it clearly, how happy she was that her dreams were becoming reality. Denise understood, she really did, yet Agatha's leaving made her feel like she was losing another piece of her heart all over again.

As they packed up her things, Agatha carefully handed over her whole collection of hair ribbons to Denise, each one tied to a memory neither of them would forget.

“You promise never to leave me,” Denise whispered, her voice shaking.

“I know, love, but I have to go to school and get a job so I can take care of you.” Agatha said, running her fingers through Denise's hair. “You know that, right?”

Denise looked down, ashamed of being clingy. She knew Agatha was right and knew she was being selfish. Her sister had her own life to live. Still, the thought of facing the world without Agatha by her side filled her with a gnawing fear…one she didn't know how to name but only felt.

Agatha paused her packing and tilted Denise’s chin up with soft fingers. “Hey,” she said, smiling, “I’m not disappearing. It’s just school, and I'll come back every chance I get.”

Though Denise could see the sadness lingering behind it, a shadow of the goodbye they were both trying to delay.

She nodded, but the knot in her chest didn’t loosen; the house already felt different, as if it knew Agatha was preparing to leave.

They spent the rest of the afternoon folding clothes and stacking books, and every now and then, Agatha would pull her into a long, warm embrace that made Denise wish time would freeze for just a moment, long enough for her to breathe without hurting.

“College isn’t forever,” Agatha reminded her gently. “It’s just a few years, and then everything will be better for both of us.” She reached for Denise’s hand and squeezed it. “You’re stronger than you think.”

Denise wanted to believe her; she wanted to be strong and wanted to be happy for her sister without falling apart. But courage didn’t come easily, not when the person she leaned on was walking toward a world she wasn’t part of.

That night, as they lay side by side on the bed they once shared, Denise listened as Agatha breathed. She memorized the rhythm, knowing she wouldn’t hear it every night anymore. And though she tried to stay awake, afraid of losing even a minute, her eyes drifted shut, her hand still wrapped around her sister’s.

Morning came far too quickly.

“I promise to always call and come visit,” Agatha said. “Now promise me you'll be a good girl, pinky swear?” She held out her little finger. They giggled as their fingers hooked together.

“Always tell Aunt Lilian if you ever get into trouble. Eat your meals on time, and no trashing your salad, huh?” Agatha added, her voice suddenly serious.

Denise rolled her eyes and teased, “Jeez, I promise. You are beginning to sound like Mom!” But her smile faded when Agatha looked away, fighting back her tears. Denise sighed softly. “Great, why did I have to ruin the mood?”

“You should start going now. Someone is getting impatient,” Aunt Lilian said, gesturing toward Uncle Andrew waiting in the car. She pulled Agatha into a tight hug. “Take care.”

Agatha smiled at her before turning to Denise. “I'm going to miss you.” She hugged her sister firmly, then picked up her bag and walked to the car.

“Agatha!” Denise's voice cracked as she ran after her, throwing her arms around her one last time. “I love you.”

“I love you too, so much,” Agatha replied before stepping into the car.

Denise stood there watching as they drove away. The farther the car went, the blurrier it became. It wasn't her vision failing; it was her tears.

****

“That would be all for now. She can start tomorrow,” the registrar announced, pulling Denise back from the past. She checked the form, ensuring everything was in order, and then stamped it. “Please, proceed to the cashier and make all the necessary payments,” she added, shaking hands with her aunt before flashing Denise a strange smile.

****

“Denise, Denise, you are going to be late for school.” Her aunt’s voice echoed in her head. She opened her eyes and stared at the clock on the wall.

6:30 a.m.

“Ugh, I hate school.” Dragging herself out of bed, she trudged to the bathroom.

Denise ran her fingers through her short black hair, staring at her reflection, deep blue eyes that fit perfectly on her chubby face, with a faint scar above her left eyebrow. She felt like a mess compared to her sister, who always looked like a goddess.

“Yuck. This is so not cool,” she muttered after putting on her school dress.

Her aunt chuckled behind her. “Don’t say that. It suits you perfectly; besides, you have to wear it every day.” She winked, making Denise roll her eyes, trying not to smile.

School was as dull as ever. She slouched into her new class, got introduced to the teacher, jotted down notes, stuck to herself, and ignored anyone who tried to talk to her. That was basically her routine.

Yet despite all that, Denise was slowly building her confidence. She was no longer the shy, fragile girl she used to be.