Nat's Her

by Michelle Lin

In a small village named Lasa, there was a celebration called “Halanya” which meant ‘loving nature’ in their traditional language, Guandarosindese. On that day, the people of Lasa would all gather around and thank Mother Nature for her care. It was a day of thankfulness and love. On that same day, a baby named Ninisha Qiar was born. Her mother told her she was a blessing, a gift from Mother Nature, and Ninisha believed it. Ever since she was young, Ninisha has always felt a close connection towards nature. She would spend days caring for her plants, so much that her parents needed to build a garden just for her. And now as a teenager, Ninisha’s love for nature only grew stronger.
When Ninisha was just 7, her mother died from a terrible accident…leading her to grow up with just her dad. Though it was challenging at first, Ninisha knew that her mother would want her to stay strong. She remembered the day that her mother told her stories about animals and plants, but also pollution. “Darling, I know it must be hard to believe this, but it’s true. There are thousands of factories in the world that is killing all our beloved earth day by day,” her mother said to her. Ninisha replied with “Why is this happening?? When I grow up I will fix all this! I will take away all factories and help save the world!” The moment then ended with her mother giggling after. Everytime Ninisha thought about this, it would make her want to be with her mom more, but she knows that her mother is now in a better place. A place where humanity and nature exist in peace, a place with no pollution.
The Sun shone bright upon the small village of Lasa. Today is the 250th anniversary Halanya. decorations were put up on all the buildings. While all the other kids were rushing to finish their decors for the big day, Ninisha was lying on the grass at the field near her house. She had already finished the decorations days before the celebrations and was proud of that. Staring at the tainted blue sky, she wondered how this year’s celebration will be different from the others. “Wouldn’t we just thank Mother Nature for all that she has done for us and leave it at that?” She wondered to herself. Then her thoughts quickly vanished when she heard her dad yelling “NINISHAA?? COME HERE PLEASE!” When she got to her house, she was greeted by a big old bear hug. “Happy Birthday darling!” her father yelled. Ninisha was so carried away by the celebration she almost forgot about the fact that it was her birthday, but nevertheless, she said thanks.
The next couple of hours were just some time to have a little birthday celebration before the Halanya gathering. When the time came, they both changed into the traditional clothing: a long green dress with leaves (called a ‘Wanjua’) for women and a green collar shirt with leaves on the shoulders (called a ‘Juanjoa’) paired with black pants for men. Before they left, Ninisha took a quick look at her garden to check if everything seems to be in order.
As they walked to the gathering, the two were welcomed with fully decorated buildings and plants everywhere. Ninisha could not believe the sight of the village. If she didn’t know about pollution, she would’ve guessed that nature is perfectly fine. The scenary of the celebration was absolutely breathtaking, with flowers and plants at every corner of the village. What was more incredible was the center, there was a big bush cut into the shape of a woman, Mother Nature. It was tradition that everyone listen to what others want to say to thank Mother Nature. One said “thank you for providing us with crops.” Another said “thank you for providing us with such an amazing village.” When it was Ninisha’s turn she said “thank you for allowing us to see and feel the blessing of nature.”
“That was quite special huh?” asked Ninisha’s dad.
“Yea, it was,” replied Ninisha, “ I cant believe this is already the 250th time Lasa has celebrated this tradition…do you think anything will change?”
“Well I won’t lie to you dear, but you know what’s happening in the cities.”
“Yea, but don’t you think that we should care for them, too? I mean Mother Nature doesn’t only help here, she helps everyone.”
“That’s true, but even if we tried, we won’t make much of a difference,” said Ninisha’s father with a sigh.
Ninisha knew that there was some bit of truth in her father’s statement, but she could, should do something. If one person makes a difference, and everyone else follows, the difference will no longer small, but huge.
That night, Ninisha could not sleep. She stayed up all night thinking about how she may help. When she gave up and decided to go on a walk, she saw the big bush that was shaped as Mother Nature. When she went closer and touched the leaves, she suddenly felt a surge of energy…and a voice, one from a woman.
Ninisha… how are you? I know you probably have a lot of questions, but unfortunately we don’t have much time…you know what’s happening on Earth and you have to help! You have to be the one who makes the dif erence. You are my heir, and neither I or you would have known prior to this day. Nature
has chosen you, Nature chose you to help and save the world from this disaster and so you must. Your journey begins now, do what you must do and go. Go help save the world…
Before Ninisha could say a word, the voice already left. Now alone, Ninisha must figure out what she must do. The thought that she kept thinking about is now her new mission, not only as Ninisha Qiar, but also as the Heir of Mother Nature…