Thorns of Roses

"Auntiee," Maria whined, wiping her forehead as sweat dripped down her neck. "It's too hot, can we take a break. Please?"

"Hush child, we're almost home." Her aunt chided, braided black hair swinging with every step she took. "Be thankful for the clear skies Mother gifted us today."

Maria made a face, tugging at her own braids with a huff. Mud squished between her toes, making her shudder as she looked around to distract herself from the heat.

Sunlight poked through the trees, reflecting off the rain-soaked grass. The way it shined reminded her of glittering jewels

It was then Maria decided she prefered the brightness rather than the gloomy darkness that covered the sky during the storms. Everything felt alive again.

Still, Maria didn't appreciate the overbearing humidity.

"But did Mother have to make it so hot?" She said with a groan, swinging her arms around to scare away approaching flies.

Auntie glanced back, gesturing to the woven basket she held.

It was filled with different types of herbs and fruits. Some Maria had names for, and others she'd never seen before.

"Do not disrespect Mother." Auntie warned, placing a hand on one of the many enormous trees. "The heat is well worth the bountiful harvest and blue skies."

Maria didn't say anything, studying the bug that crawled across her hand. There was no use arguing with Auntie, but Maria found her patient wavering.

"Can we take a break now?"

A smile spread across her face as she watched Auntie sigh. She'd won. "I suppose a break won't be too troublesome. But we can't take long, we must be back before starlight."

Maria quickened her pace, sitting on a nearby rock and eagerly patting a hand to the spot next to her. Auntie gave a small laugh, taking the offered seat and leaning against Maria.

"Auntie?" Maria mumbled, voice small.

"Ah, is this about the Ceremony again?" A gentle sigh made Maria look up to face her aunt, who didn't look back. "I've already told you, you're not ready to witness it."

She gave a pout. Maria figured she had proven herself enough to watch. The curiosity about the secretive event had been gnawing away her even since she found out about it.

"But I know I'm ready! Please let me watch, please?" Maria wanted to see. Nobody ever talked about what happen. All she knew was that someone was always missing afterwards.

Perhaps the council was having people expand? She hoped so, exploring the forest had always been exciting.

But Auntie just shook her head."You know the rules. Mother hasn't given your sign yet. You're not ready."

In response, Maria scowled. "How come Mother has to decide everything? She's probably not even real."

Everything, it seemed, went quiet at once.

The birds silenced themselves, as though they had never sung to begin with. Bugs scampered away, and even the chattery squirrels were shushed. Thunder cracked in the distance

Auntie stiffened, and Maria met her gaze only to flinch at the amount of anger the usually warm brown eyes held.

"Maria! How dare you question our Mother!? She is as real as you and I. I will not allow such blatant disrespect!"

Tears formed in her eyes, and Maria swallowed past the lump forming in her throat.

"B-but if she's real then why does- Then why does she cause th-the storms! Or-or the illness that killed our people!"

With quickened breaths she wiped her eyes before continuing. "Why is she so mean!?"

Instead of yelling, like Maria thought she would, Auntie's gaze softened.

"Maria, my flower, you misunderstand." Arms wrapped around her, and Maria gratefully leaned into the hug. The familiar smell of spices and herbs quickly calmed her down.

"Our Mother takes care of us, Maria. But she is quick to remind us not to take advantage of her kindness."

"She's like a rose. She brings beauty to our land, but darling," Maria felt her aunt shift, gentle hands lifting her head and forcing Maria to meet her eye to eye.

"Never underestimate her thorns."

---

"Remember, stay inside until morning. Under no circumstances can you leave until the ceremony is over." Auntie sternly reminded.

With a grumble, Maria nodded. "I know, I know."

Her aunt looked incredibly beautiful tonight, and Maria couldn't help but smile. She knew her aunt loved to look nice.

Auntie had pulled out her finest dress, made from silk so white it reminded Maria of snow, for the Ceremony. The dress was so light it swished with every movement.

And for hours, she had worked on tying flowers and leaves together, making bracelets and necklaces that now adorned her body. The brightness of the petals popping against the white dress.

But what Maria liked most, was the colorful flower crown she wore. Maria felt pride swell up. She had made it. Just for Auntie.

A knock on the wooden door interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to watch Auntie open the door. Maria felt her smile fall, just a bit. It was time for her aunt to leave.

Her aunt turned away from the Chief, not meeting Maria's gaze. "It's time. Remember, stay indoors."

"Yes Auntie."

Then she left. And Maria simply waited, despite her mind demanding she followed.

But had she paid attention, Maria would've realized something.

She would've noticed the deafening silence that held the whole community and forest alike. How no birds had sung that day, and the world seemed less safe.

She would've seen the grim resolution in the Chief's eyes. The way his eyes told unsaid stories.

Seen the way unshed tears glistened from her aunt's eyes, who was desperate not to scare her niece.

And she would've seen, how the flower crown her aunt wore, had become bright, red roses. Their thorns poking through the delicate leaves of the crown.

But she didn't, and the Ceremony continued as normal. And just as always, the tribe came back with one less person.

This is the way of the forest.