I hear strange cries and I look to the open doorway, at the large doors heaving on their hinges.

Masses of birds are flowing through the opening – pigeons, swallows, crows, even some hawks.

Within the flow of them is walking – Prudence.

The birds fly at me, jabbing my face. I wave them away but they come back as if crazed.

Through the view between my fingers I watch them attack Chuma and Saskia also. Saskia’s cheek has become flecked with blood.

I bite my lip. I have a fury in me now that could murder.

I grab my hands together and make a wringing motion like wringing out a wet cloth. Each and every bird drops to the ground in an instant, their necks twisted!

“Leave. My. Friends. Alone.” I say with steely graveness.

Prudence’s eyes are wide. Parusha’s worried eyes shine. Pearl’s mouth hangs open.

They are in awe of me. They should be. I can ruin cities. And I will. So, let them not test me.

“Further attempts to bring me down will result in death,” I say, and my voice sounds like a woman’s and man’s, together at once.

“I have come into my power. My sisters have shown me my power. For that I thank them.”

“They’re using you to–”

Pearl has just started to talk when an invisible hand smashes her across the face. She is struck dumb, devastated by the anger and swiftness in me.

“Silence!” I bellow, and my voice is like a thousand fold mountains forming.

“I have said my piece. Know, you daughters of the light, that I am the one that comes in anger. I will spare your lives, once, if you leave this place. Any attempt to fight will end in your complete destruction.”

Parusha is crying. Pearl looks distraught. Prudence looks dazed into shock. They are weakened. Their eyes meet. Pearl gives a small nod. The three of them, defeated, back away, their hands linked.

“Tam,” pleads Prudence, and her face is lit up emotion, “don’t do this.”

I turn my back on them.

I turn my back on ‘kindness’ because I can never trust it. It is a hectic thing to realise, but when you realise it’s real, it becomes your truth.

I turn away from everyone who has ever shown me kindness, only to snigger at my weight behind my back.

I turn away from every fake friendship, prank, cruel smile I have ever had shown me since I was little. Hundreds and hundreds of little pains.

***

Tell us: At this point in her life, Tamara has a bitter and cynical view of people, and the world in general. Do you ever feel the same way? Do you blame her?