I accepted the gift, feeling a swirl and mix of feelings inside me. It had happened. Just like my mother and sisters, the goddess Ashiyana had chosen me to be a patron. All was as it should be, as it had been destined to happen. So why was there a pit in my stomach?

Joy errupted. My father patted my back, my mother bowed down at Ashiyana’s feet, thanking her profusely for taking a chance on her child. I just stood there, probably looking foolish and disrespectful, still holding the box in my hands. Ashiyana looked me straight in the eyes, waiting patiently, because for her, she really did have all the time in the world. I carefully pulled on the ribbon holding it closed, watching as the fine silk floated to the ground. I could feel my family’s eyes boring into my back. My hands shook as I lifted the lid, unsure of what I would find inside. It was the moment of truth, and the box was… empty. Shouldn’t I feel different somehow?” I thought. “Shouldn’t a little piece of her power be within in me?” Nobody made a noise. Ashiyana with all her wisdom, took the box from my hands and walked out the door. My mother called for her, frantic, abandoning all the etiquette and formalities and respect she always preached about, but Ashiyana was gone.

My mother cried, my father yelled, my sisters ran around frantically like somehow it would make a difference. Nobody understood what it meant. Only that I had not been truly chosen, and that nothing would be the same again.

Author’s note : I tried not to overedit this so I don’t get bored of the idea, so I apologize if that brings about a decrease in quality. I quite like the idea however, and I can’t find the specific ways in which my mind might scrutinize the idea, so I might just run with it!