PromiseS

It plays over and over again in my mind, like something sort of horrible movie. I promised to stay with her forever. Never to leave her again. I made this promise because I remember the day when she broke her left leg and it was my entire fault. If only I didn’t leave her behind. I will never forget the accident that caused my sister to walk limply for the rest of her life. It happened when my sister and I were eleven.

   Near our old house lies the most beautiful and sacred place in the world. It was a forest. This forest was my and my sister’s sanctuary. Everyday after school, we would go there together. I remember clearly what happened on that day.

   When we arrived, my sister, Emma, immediately sat by the river. She loved to sit by the river, admiring the surrounding as she pondered on her own thoughts. As for me, I wanted adventure. Nearby, I spotted a path in the woods that I had never explored before. The problem was… I hated going alone and the only person nearby was Emma.

“Emma, there is a new path in the woods. How about exploring it together?” I asked her.
“No. I want to sit here,” Emma replied softly and reluctantly. Emma has been shy and afraid of exploring places. A plan then came into my mind.
“The new path might lead us to a field full of butterflies. I saw a few went that way.” I knew that my sister loved butterflies. I knew she couldn’t resist my offer. Just as I expected, Emma got up to follow me. As I wanted to know what was down the path, I didn’t notice that I had left my sister behind.
“Eve, wait!” I heard her yell. I didn’t stop running. Why didn’t I wait for her? If only I waited for her…
“Wait, Eve! Don’t leave me behind! Please!”

   That was when I heard sound that haunted me forever. An early piercing scream and then a series of sickening cracks. I was too afraid. I turned and walked slowly to the side of a low cliff. I then realized my worst fear. Down the cliff ledge, my sister was lying there in a strange position. If only I had waited, maybe this would never have happened.

   I ran home to get for help. My parents immediately sent Emma to the nearest hospital. It took her a long time to wake up. When she finally regained consciousness, I wrapped my arms around her and cried onto her shoulder. I was glad that she was all right. The doctor said that Emma had broken her left leg very seriously. She will be limping for the rest of her life. I couldn’t stop blaming myself.

“Emma. I am sorry. I promised that I’ll never leave you again,” I said.
“Eve, one day, we’ll get married and then we will live and die separately. We can never be together forever,” she said in a disappointed tone.
“Please promise me that we’ll always be together. Please…” I pleaded. My sister looked at me for a moment, before giving me her answer.
“I promise.”