The Endless Doom by Asmaa Nada

dead?
The strange man said Yes when I returned I met her on the other side of the lake. Shes still there and shes still eighteen. The people of this village dont age. Theyre all dead souls in living bodies. A long time ago a curse was placed upon them for conquering other villages destroying them and kidnapping their women. Unless they sacrifice the daughter of their leader after she gives birth to a girlAnd remember their pregnancies only last two months.
Samar asked But my mother is still alive. Why hasnt what you said happened?
Samar said I dont want to die. I want to see the world and help people with my healing.
The strange man said Then leave with me now and leave them.
Samar asked And my mother?
The strange man replied Youll see her. Well leave and shell distract them from our escape.
The girl hesitated but her love of life compelled her to escape. He took her hand and they boarded a small boat he had hidden among the trees. As they sailed to the other side she asked
How were you able to carry the boat from the trees to the water
I have supernatural powers that I gained from the well. Thats why when I leave the oasis the burns disappear and my body becomes like everyone elses without any supernatural powers.
Samar got out of the boat and saw a girl who looked exactly like her in terms of appearance and age . The girl smiled at her and approached saying
My beautiful little one Im Dunya your mother. Ive been watching you grow up but I couldnt get close to you.
Samar tried to hug her but Dunya stepped back until her feet touched the water. She transformed into a skeleton and said
No my dear my body is cursed. I cant touch you. If you touch me youll burn. Now go with your brother and never come back. In seven days everything will end and I will disappear with them.
Samar left with her brother to begin a new life she had never known before after bidding farewell to her mother who took the boat and returned to the other side of the lake. After Samars disappearance terror gripped the villagers. Every night after sunset Dunya would appear on the lake calling out to the girls. They would hear her voice even from behind locked doors and would walk towards her like sleepwalkers only to be drowned after their bodies were consumed by flames. She continued doing this every day eliminating all the boys and girls before the horrified eyes of the villagers who were powerless to stop her or escape. Before sunset on the seventh day everyone in the village turned to ashes the trees and palm trees withered and the oasis became ruins a mere remnant of what once was.