《HER MOONLIGHT》 NALINA’S JOURNEY In one of the largest hospitals in New Zealand City, A girl with a frail body sat on the hospital bed, she looked sadly at the nurses surrounding her, she had just been told to leave the hospital as she had been owing the hospital for the past year. She looked confusedly at them as she didn''t know why they said her parents hadn''t been to the hospital to check on her for over a year when she was in a coma. Nalina Axel is the only daughter of the Axel family, her family might not be part of the top family in New Zealand but they were certainly wealthy enough to pay for her bills. Even if she couldn''t understand much she knew her parents had abandoned her. Her head dropped sadly when she heard the final decision of the hospital from the nurses. Being the only daughter of her parents, she had been pampered by everyone, she always got what she wanted, and now she felt sad thinking about how her family didn''t even care about her after the hospital called them to notify them of her being awake after 10 years of being in a coma, but their response was to tell the doctors to inform her of their death. She entered into a coma at the age of 10 after being hit by a car, and now ten years have passed. She had missed the best age to get an education. She woke up two weeks ago, and she had to beg the hospital to allow her to stay. She had hoped her parents would come looking for her but that hope was dashed, and now she knew she was on her own. A few hours later, Nalina stood in a baggy trouser and a big shirt which was given to her by a nice nurse. She was grateful to her, as she not only gave her clothes but also told her some important information about the country when she came for rounds. Standing in front of the hospital, she felt confused about where to go. After standing in front of the hospital and watching people, she chooses to go to the Northside. She trekked for some hours non-stop even when she knew her body was failing, but she had to reach a place to take shelter before the night came. Nalina suddenly felt faint after walking for another 30 minutes, not able to walk anymore. She immediately sat down by the roadside. She was so hungry and tired that her body felt terrible. She looked at the cake shop opposite longingly, she saw people going In happily and coming out with a package in their hands. She glanced at the beautiful cake showcased at the counter, she swallowed hard, she felt so hungry and tasty. After some thinking, She decided to go in to ask for some, she knew she wouldn''t be able to walk if she didn''t eat something. She walked slowly, her body was full of dust after walking the whole day, and her hair was untidy and dry. She entered the shop and immediately felt different Gazes on her. Her body stiffened as she stood at the door of the shop, not knowing if she should continue walking to the counter or walk out as she felt so uncomfortable with the attention. But knowing how hungry she was, she walked forward. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Hello¡­ how can I help you¡± a salesperson attended to her smilingly. Seeing the lady¡¯s friendly face boosts Nalina''s Confidence ¡°H..hi, I. I saw the shop at a distance, can you please give me a cake to e..at¡­ Nalina¡¯s voice flattered when she saw the eyes of the waiter looking at her disdainfully. Nalina felt really confused as to why the friendly salesperson would suddenly become disdainful of her. ¡°What do you take this place for? A beggar''s spot? Get out of here, you little beggar!!¡± The waiter shouted at her. ¡°I. I am sorry, so sorry, I just wanted a cake because I was hungry, I didn¡¯t mean to anger you¡­¡± Nalina apologized, she was just a little girl mentally, Feeling confused about why she was sent out when she didn¡¯t do anything, Nalina remembered how she helped her friends out when they needed help. She felt the world should be the same, helping the needy, but it seems she was wrong again, not everyone would be kind. ¡° Hey! Why are you so rude? She just wanted something to eat, and if you can''t help, then reject gently! Why must you insult the little girl this way?¡± a lady who came in to get cakes questioned the salesperson angrily. ¡°Hello, little girl. What do you want to eat? Choose anything you want, big sister will pay for it.¡± The lady addressed Nalina after chiding the salesperson. ¡°Anything is fine, big sister, thank you¡± Lina replied to the lady, her face turning red when she felt her pet on her head. ¡° Give her the three flavors of the cakes, and give her two pieces each,¡± The lady gave her orders, before turning to look at the shocked Lina, seeing her amazed face she burst out laughing. ¡°When was the last time you drank water? Your voice sounds hoarse¡± The lady asked before turning to the salesperson to add three bottles of water. Nalina took the package after it had been paid for. Feeling grateful, she bowed down to the lady. ¡°Thank you so much, I appreciate this, and I will never forget your help. My name is Nalina Big sister¡±. Tears dropped from her eyes as she looked at the lady gratefully. ¡°Hey!! Stop crying, girl¡­ My name is Lily, and you should hold this with you in case you need anything¡± The lady said as she took out a 50 dollar note to give to Lina. ¡° Lina held the money tightly in her hand, she felt so emotional. She watched as Lily walked faster, as if scared she would reject her kindness. She promised to repay her one day, even if she wanted her life. Lina looked at the salesperson who still looked arrogantly at her, she didn''t know what was there to be arrogant about but that was none of her business. ¡° I don''t want to see you here again little beggar! The salesperson called out in disdain as she watched her leave. Lina ignored her as she wobbled out of the shop, her brain felt muddled as she didn''t know when she collided with someone. HER LOST YEARS ¡°Hey! Watch where you go okay?! A man yelled out. ¡°So sorry, I''m so sorry¡­¡± Lina bowed in apology, before rushing out of the shop. Lina walked out of the shop and sat on the roadside thinking as she ate. Now that she had regained her strength, she had little money, and the cakes remained, she could now look for a place to sleep for the night. As she ate she thought about her parents, wondering if they truly didn''t want her anymore. Looking at the money she was holding, she thought about going to her house, as she remembered the address, which was her childhood house, and even if she had been in a coma for years, her childhood memories were still intact. It just felt weird, sleeping as a 10-year-old and waking up as an adult, even if her body was underdeveloped because of lack of nutrients, this body was still an adult. After regaining her strength, Lina walked around looking for a place to spend the night, which she found before midnight. Lina looked at the homeless children and teenagers who littered around. She felt sad just looking at them, at least she had hope of returning to her parents tomorrow, but they had no hope. Lina lay down in a space on the ground, she put her money inside her underwear as she didn''t want it to be lost, and then put the remaining cakes next to her head. She felt weak after the stressful day, not even a minute passed before she dozed off. Lina was woken up by the sounds of cars and the noises of children and teenagers shouting. She sat up immediately, she looked around in confusion, her mind muddled. After sitting for 2 minutes, her mind regained clarity and remembered where she was at. She stood up from the ground, her hands patted the dirt from her clothes. Wanting to pick up her cakes to get going, but found out it was missing. She looked confused as she looked around, she remembered putting it next to her head when she laid down to sleep yesterday so how come it was missing now? Realizing someone could have taken it, she looked around in panic, that was the food she saved to eat throughout the day, but now it was gone, Lina felt like crying. ¡°Hey!! Why are you looking at us that way? A blonde asked her rudely. ¡°He..llo! I came with a cake package yesterday, I kept it next to me when I slept but found nothing when I woke up. Did you by any chance see it?¡± Lina asked the girl politely. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Are you accusing us of stealing your stupid cake? The other one on short asked nastily. ¡°No. No! I just wanted to ask if you saw it. ¡°They took it! I saw Milky steal it yesterday night when I went out to pee! A young voice was heard. Everyone including Lina turned to him immediately. It was a little boy who seemed to be 5 or 6 years old. He stood there with his hands on his waist, his body looked so dirty, with dust all over his face making him look like a dirty cat. The boy pointed at the two girls in boldness. ¡°Shut up little monster! Go play somewhere else before I hit you now! The blonde girl called Milky threatened angrily. ¡°And why should I? You both are dirty thieves! The little boy shouted back, not scared of the girls. ¡°Beautiful sister, they stole your cake yesterday night and ate it all. Believe me¡± The boy faced Lina as he tried convincing her. ¡°Why did you take my cakes?! Lina asked them with her face scrunched up in a frown. ¡°Why are you asking?! I took your cake and so what? What will you do?! The girl called Milky challenged. ¡° But it''s mine! Besides, it''s bad to steal! Can you return my cake, please..¡± Lima pouted her mouth, her eyes looked at them with unshed tears. ¡°Why are you crying? It¡¯s not like you paid for the space you slept in, this will be your payment. Bye!¡± Milky said as she dragged her friends and left. Lina looked at them as they left, her shoulders dropped down as she looked at her hands frustrated, she knew her body was still weak and she couldn''t argue with them. ¡°Hey! What''s your name?¡± The boy who they called Little Monster stood next to Lina, as he asked her. ¡°My name is Nalina or Lina for short and yours?¡± She smiled kindly at him, hiding away her sadness, her natural dimple showcasing its beauty. ¡° My name is Little Monster or Monster for short!¡± The boy said brightly, he felt proud of his introduction, as he felt he said it the way Lina did. Nalina was speechless, she looked at the proud little boy, not knowing how to tell him he had a bad name¡­ but seeing how happy he was, she left it like that. ¡°Nice to meet you Little Boy¡± she raised her for a shake which he took gladly and happily. ¡°You shouldn''t have kept your cakes there. Milky and her friends are bad kids and they wouldn''t care if you own it or not¡± The little boy explained. ¡°Wow! That''s bad. Do you stay here too? And don''t you have parents? Do you want to eat?¡± Lina threw questions at the little boy as she felt worried about him. ¡°I don''t have a specific place, but I mostly sleep here, And as for my parents¡­ most of us here are orphans. And yes I am hungry! Do you still have cakes? ¡°The little boy looked eagerly at Lina, he was honestly hungry right now. ¡°I don''t have cakes anymore, " the boy''s shoulders slumped down immediately after he heard that. ¡°But I have money! We can get buns across the road, I saw it while coming yesterday¡± Lina immediately completed her words when she saw the boy sad. ¡°Really?! Then let''s go!¡± The little boy held Lina¡¯s hands as they ran to the other side where the buns were sold. Lina was glad she kept the money the kind lady gave to her under her socks, if not where would she be able to buy buns for the Little kid? After paying three dollars and water, her money was left with 43 dollars. She walked the boy back, and as they ate and chatted, Lina looked at the clear sky and felt it was time to leave. ¡°I am leaving now, I might not be back again,¡± Lina told the little boy ¡°But why? Are you going back to your family? The boy asked firmly ¡°Yes! I need to confirm something, I will stay if all this is just a misunderstanding but if it''s not¡­¡± Lina drawled as she didn''t know what she would do if she got rejected. ¡°Will you come back if it''s not?! The Long Journey Home ¡°Will you come back if it''s not?! ¡°I¡­ I don''t know! I don''t know.¡± Lina couldn''t imagine the heartbreak she would feel but she was ready for the worst. ¡°Come back if you are rejected okay? I will be your younger brother and take care of you, you look so thin¡±. He said as he looked at her body with disdain. ¡°Pfft! What do you know? Okay, I will be your big sister from this moment and as your big sis, I am permitted to change your name right? Lina asked as she kneeled in front of the little boy. ¡°Really?! I would love that!¡± The little boy said in anticipation ¡°What about the name ¡°Leo¡±? Lina said after she thought about it. ¡°Leo? Nahhhh¡­ I don''t want to have the same name with that stubborn boy!¡± ¡°Then Finn! What about ¡°Finn¡±? I don''t think you have anyone stubborn who is named Finn right? Lina asked gently. ¡°No, I don''t! Then Finn it is! Yahhh! I have a name now, and I won''t be called Little Monster anymore! Little Finn ran around Lina who was laughing happily. ¡°I don''t want you to go, Lina,¡± Finn said sadly as he looked at Lina who was all set to move. He had just gotten to know her but she had shown him all the kindness she had, and he felt connected and comfortable with her. He felt sad knowing she might not come back if she got accepted by her parents. Lina looked at the boy¡¯s tearful eyes, it almost made her stay back, but thinking about her doubt, she knew she had to go. ¡°Look here Finn, I promise to come back to get you, no matter the decision or situation, I will come back here to get you, all you need to do for me is take care of yourself and wait for me here, as I will surely come back!¡± Lina said firmly. ¡°Pinky promise?¡± seeing the little finger of Linn, Lina hooked hers with his smilingly. They looked at each other with tears in their eyes. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ********************************************** Lina went to the bus station after she inquired from a passerby. She sat in the fast-moving bus, she knew she was going to stop somewhere before taking another bus to her Destination. Sitting on the bus, her mind couldn''t help but think back. She thought about her childhood days when she was so free and happy. Her parents were happy, she remembered how well she was treated by her parents who called her their little princess, she remembered her little friends and her best friend Janet, she wondered how grown up she would be now, not like her who was all skin and bones. She signed heavily as she recalled everything. When she woke up in the hospital and was told how she had an accident and had been in a coma for ten years, that''s a whole century. Her best years to learn were gone, Her friends have forgotten her, and her family has changed, everything has become worthless and strange, she even had the thought of dying. She had no idea why she was still alive though. The sound of the bus stopping woke Lina up from her thoughts. She got down from the bus with the other passengers, feeling tired. She sat down on the available chair on the roadside. She was waiting for the bus going to Midland, an area for the mid-rich family. That was where her family lived. As she sat down, her brain started processing everything that had happened since she woke up, making her feel like giving up on going to see them. She was scared of hearing something that will shatter the love she had for them. But she hardened her heart, feeling like everything was a misunderstanding. After waiting for the bus for 20 minutes, it finally arrived. After entering the bus, she sat down, she looked at the road which had changed a lot. No one knew how hard it is for a person who just woke up from a coma to navigate through life. To her, it felt like she just slept and woke up the next day. But when she woke up she found everything had changed overnight. She felt so overwhelmed thinking about it. She came down at the bus stop. She looked around in wonder and confusion, the normal high-end community had turned into a sophisticated place, and it looked elegant, she looked at herself and felt she didn''t suit this place. But thinking this was the place she once called home, that lost feeling came back again, the feeling of coming home after school. No matter how much this place changed, it was still her home. Lina confidently walked to the security, and the aura of the Young Miss of the Axel Family came out. Seeing the securities in their post, Lina walked to them after tidying up her hair, but before she could go closer, a harsh voice sounded. ¡°What are you doing? Who are you?! The security man asked, his voice sounded scary, making Lina flinch, and all the confidence and feeling she had managed to gather was reduced to half. ¡°I am Nalina, and I seek for the Axel family. I am Nalina Axel, their daughter who was in a coma¡± Lina managed to say. The security man looked at Lina who claimed to be the daughter of the Axel. She looked untidy, her clothes looked dirty, and it seemed she hadn''t bathed for days now. Her hair looked like a bed nest even when he saw her trying to tidy it up, but it seemed her attempt failed. He couldn''t help but burst out in laughter at the girl''s shameless lies. How could the rich Axel family have a homeless girl outside? Children these days are shameless. ¡°Hey girl just get out from here before I throw you out! How could a little girl tell a big lie like this? Get out!¡± The security Man looked at Lina with disdain as he sent her out. ¡° No! Am not telling lies, can you please call them out, I am their daughter! Don''t make a silly mistake!¡± Lina begged the man sincerely. ¡° Just go! Oh! Are you a beggar? You want to beg for money right? You should have asked me, must you go so far by telling lies about being the child of the Axel?¡± The security man challenged. ¡°Believe me¡­ please¡±. Lina stood helplessly as she didn''t know what to do to convince him when he suddenly said something that excited her. ¡°Oh, just right! You said you are looking for the Axel family right? Look whose car it is, Mrs Axel! You are not my daughter ¡°Oh, just right! You said you are looking for the Axel family right? Look whose car it is, Mrs Axel! Lina was excited when she heard those words, ¡°back¡­ she was back, mother¡±. She kept on repeating those words when it suddenly occurred to her, her mummy was here, not able to control her legs, she impatiently ran to the car that was driving slowly, she was so excited. The car stopped after seeing Lina standing in front of the car waving excitedly. ¡°Who is this beggar?! Why are you standing in front of a car?! Do you want to scam me?! A harsh voice sounded from the car making Lina¡¯s excitement cool down immediately. She looked at the car in awe, her family was still as rich as ever, so she wondered why the hospital would lie. Instead of just standing here, she walked to the window screen to show her face. ¡°Hello, mum! It''s me! Nalina! I''m back! I immediately said excitedly to the woman sitting in the car. ¡°Nalina?! What are you doing here?! Mrs. Axel looked at Nalina in shock, she looked around and was relieved only the security man whom she could handle was around, opening the car door and dragging her inside, she started the car and drove off immediately, Making Nalina shocked by her actions. The security man looked at the car that drove off in shock. ¡°Was she their daughter? But Mrs Axel has a daughter already! Or maybe a relative, I pray she doesn''t tattle to Mrs Axel¡± He anxiously hoped. The car was silent as Mrs Axel drove. After a few minutes, the car stopped at a quiet place. ¡°What are you doing here?! Mr Axel looked at the girl in disdain, she looked so dirty and stupid, did she think here was just any place she could run to? ¡°Mum! It¡¯s Lina! If you don¡¯t believe me we can go for a test. I woke up in the hospital and didn¡¯t see you, the hospital sent me out of the hospital as I was told you hadn¡¯t paid them or paid a visit to me for more than a month, but it seems not, you look okay to me, so why didn¡¯t you come for me?¡± Lina looked at the quiet woman, her hair unlike hers, was tidied up elegantly, her face was just fine, and not the type to be remembered in the crowd, and the jewelry she wore on her head down to her hands was very expensive. Her hair down to her toes looked well polished, but her face, which was supposed to have a motherly smile, looked at her indifferently, making Lina¡¯s heart chill. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°So? That does not allow you to come here. How does this place match you? Have you looked at yourself? Going around to embarrass the Axel family! Do you want to let everyone know we have an uneducated child?!¡± Mrs Axel looked irritated by her. Lina looked at the woman strangely, everything had changed, even Her young mother was aging well but her attitude towards her had changed, the woman she knows is a loving mother, a woman who would embrace her and call her princess, but now this woman looked at her with disgust, asking a child why she looked had come looking for her mother. Everything has changed, it didn''t even give her time to prepare. All I did was sleep but I woke up to a different situation, different attitudes from her mother. Lina didn''t know why she cried, all she knew was the tears couldn''t stop, even when she tried to make it stop, it just wouldn''t. ¡°Why?! What have I done to deserve all this?! Why abandon your child?! Why hurt me so much?! I am just a kid! I woke up from a coma of 10 years not to the warm arms of my parents but to the cold doctors who wanted me out of their place immediately. I wasn''t even allowed to have a good recovery or rehabilitation. I was sent out after they called you, and they told me you said you are dead!!! But I see you are alive and well here right? So tell me! Why are you doing this to me?! What have I done to deserve all this? Tell me the truth and I will leave if you want me to leave!¡± Lina voiced out all her resentments. ¡°You are not our daughter!!! You are just a low-life who we mistakenly bought home from the hospital! We don''t even know who your parents are!¡± Mrs Axel shouted! ¡°Are you done finding out? Are you satisfied with my reply? Then get out! I don''t want to see you here again!! You are not our daughter! So stay away from us!¡± Mrs Axel yelled out. Lina looked shocked on hearing the words from her mother ¡°What do you mean? Like, what are you trying to say?! How come?!¡± She asked confusingly. Her head kept shaking from side to side as if saying ¡°No¡±. ¡°Yes, you are not my child! Do you understand?! Why can''t you just believe the doctors when we said we were dead?! Why must you be so greedy? Want to take it all for yourself? You stole the life of my real daughter years ago, and now you came looking for us again?! Why don''t you just die?!!! Lina! Why did you wake up?! Everything was going fine without you, but you decided to ruin it all by coming back, haven''t you done enough harm in my life?!¡± Mrs Axel roared at Lina, scaring her so much, as she held her head in pain. Lina¡¯s brain couldn''t take in all the information making it ache her so much, she held her head in pain, she suddenly howled in pain, scaring Mrs Axel so much, he looked at Lina in shock. ¡°What happening?! Is this one of your tricks to stay? I won''t agree with you! And stop pretending! It''s disgusting!¡± she uttered heartlessly. But seeing Lina still holding her head in pain, she knew this was not pretending, this is real. Panicking, she immediately drove her to the hospital, as she didn''t want someone dying In her car.