“How dare you speak to us that way? You arrogant child.” One yelled back.

“Quiet my children.” The woman said. “This child has come to show us the way. She is our past, our present, our future.” 

“Tell us of your Journey, Granddaughter.” The woman with Dark hair said. Whispers shot through the room. 

“Yes, It is true. I am the Granddaughter of Melvin and Maxine, but also the Granddaughter of Theodore and Addison.” Avery announced. Maxine and Melvin stepped forward. 

Avery turned to Theodore and Addison. 

“I know Ancients Never Die. I know that you did what you had to do to protect your daughters, but you can’t change who they are. They will forgive you with time.” Avery said. 

“How could you know?” Addison said. 

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you listen to my Journey and what I have seen for OUR future.” Avery said. 

“She lies.”  “Cast her Out” Yells came from the room. The old woman raised her hand and the room fell silent.

“If you don’t not listen to the child. You will have damned us all.” she said. 

“Go ahead tell us your story.” Melvin said. 

**********

Bette opened a gate to a Japanese garden filled with beautiful flowers. She had only been to see the Blind Prophet once in her life and had been 13 years ago. 

“Your daughter is very wise.” An Old man said from behind her. 

“Just as you said she’d be.” Bette said. 

“Yes. Let’s hope she strong enough to survive what’s coming.” He walked past her with the aid of a walking stick.

“What’s coming?” Bette followed him. 

“That is not for you to know yet nor is why she sent you to see me.” He said. 

“Then why did she send me here.” Bette had never been one for prophets. 

“This is why she sent you here.” He stopped a fork in the path. The Path branched into three directions. 

“Just tell me. My daughter is missing. I must find her.” Bette demanded. 

“She may be missing from you but you will never be missing from her. You must choose your own path. She can not do that for you.” He said. 

“Stop talking in riddles.” Bette said. 

“You must continue the rest of the way on your on.” He said and disappeared. 

“Which way do I go?” Bette closed her eyes and searched deep within herself. A vision came to her. 

She saw Avery no older than 4 or 5 dressed in a bright yellow sundress.

“Momma come with me” Avery called. She laughed as butterfly fluttered around her. 

Avery was different. She had all her marks and her eyes were blue. She ran down the path to left. 

“Wait for me” Bette went after her. 

“Don’t be afraid Momma. It’s the Golden Path.” Avery ran ahead and was soon out of sight.

“Avery not so Fast I’m not that fast.” Bette called, but Avery was gone.

Bette ran faster and faster until she reached the end of the path. Avery was sitting on the ground drawing with sidewalk chalk.

“Hey little one why did you leave me?” Bette knelt next to her. 

When Avery looked up at her it wasn’t her at all. It was another child. A child that was the spitting image of Avery but only with darker skin.

“Look Momma I drew you a pretty picture.”  The little girl said.

Bette’s eyes opened and she was standing at the end of the path.  Laying on the ground where the little girl had been was a box full of medical files. Avery’s birthday was written on the top of the box.