Silhouette Lost

by Patricia M. Muhammad

Synopsis

A loving couple raise their multi-racial, young daughter with the best of manners and breeding in suburban Los, Angeles, California. Yamaria's parents shelter her from the realities of this world. She befriends a small bird which she claims 'talks' to her and only her. Thereafter, she is mysteriously orphaned while still at an important young stage in her life. Her nearby American aunt adopts her and though Yamaria attempts to adjust to her new circumstances, she turns to her studies as an escape from her feelings of confusion and longing to know her place in the world. Her American aunt continues her sister and brother-in-law's method of raising Yamaria and is unfamiliar with their secret. As Yamaria delves further into her studies at university; she unwittingly follows a predestined path that could change the world forever. The protagonist leaves America for Italy and stays with her traditional Italian aunt and uncle to further her post-graduate research. Although her hardworking Italian uncle is oblivious as to what Yamaria searches for, her aunt possesses crucial information that will guide Yamaria to a pivotal event that challenges the limits of what she believes she is capable of. During this journey, she is reunited with an Italian, suave university classmate that takes a sudden interest in her. She is skeptical as Salvatore could have any woman that he wanted. She is an odd beauty with an awkwardness that he finds utterly attractive and refreshing. He convinces her of his intentions and they begin a romance that would be the envy of any townsperson. Salvatore, with all of his wealth and luxurious excursions he provides Yamaria, hopes that he can also be her protector. Yamaria is reacquainted with a being who has watched over her since she was a child, waiting for that inner part of her to reawaken so that it may be guided. However, paranormal circumstances forces Yamaria to stand on her own, using her wit, strength and fortitude to solve a puzzle involving a sacred tree in Italy and a keepsake that her father gifted her as a child. She discovers others who exist in different realms whom her parents were aware of. Yamaria quickly bonds with her newfound acquaintances as they realized that each of them must use their abnormal gifts to defeat a common enemy. One of the gifted possesses a special book that she holds onto dearly. Yamaria, with their vital assistance, successfully saves the Earth in her time hoping to not disturb other planes of existence. Yet this accomplishment is marred with the betrayal of one of her sisters. Yamaria and the others now must battle an enemy that follows them back to earth. Out of guilt for causing one of the gifted's death (Livianna), Basilia appears to have sacrificed herself at an attempt for redemption. Salvatore supports his beloved Yamaria throughout the paranormal happenings. Despite the oddities that accompany her, he still asks for her hand in marriage. As she prepares for her nuptials, Yamaria's grandparents withheld their knowledge that her American aunt and uncle died in a tragic car accident in America before the wedding. Yamaria and Salvatore welcomes a surprise guest at their wedding reception. She sees this person return in her true form. Gidadina places her beloved book in the care of the unaware Yamaria, slipping it in her bridal satchel. Salvatore and Yamaria have now affirmed their destiny. The worst is over until...

Release date: January 6, 2022

Publisher: Patricia M. Muhammad

Print pages: 280

Content advisory: N/A

Sample

"Forgive you for helping to save the world, put it on a proper course and figuring how to do so in such an abbreviated period of time?" Aunt Catalina said.

"You forgot that she was able to separate the good from the bad, though both were so close to our family or a part of it," he said.

"For so long I thought that Basilia wasn't bad, just enraged and hurt.  I just did not want to see what had long been true--she was not confused at all with what she was doing," Yamaria said. She lowered her head briefly, not wanting to have even the memory of that awful Basilia etched into her mind.  Catalina and Giovanni did their best to conceal their disagreement with their niece regarding Basilia but were barely successful in doing so. They did not mourn whom they did not know and if they had known would have likely brought ruin to their lives.

"Are you alright Yamaria, do you have any injuries? Perhaps you should take some time off now from all of that research," Catalina said with a smile. Yamaria surprisingly was bemused by her aunt's remark. She did want to document everything but was unsure what or how to filter what transpired without revealing her family's integral role in her discoveries.

"I think we all deserve some rest from this tailspin of the past few days," Yamaria said. Giovanni once again shook Salvatore's hand. Both men knew the handshake transmitted a communication that words could not. Yamaria touched Salvatore on his arm lovingly and said, "I think you should call your parents." He took her suggestion and dialed his mother and father. Salvatore was surprised that they were suspicious of his absence since he often travels for business and research anyway. Salvatore then remembered something his mother told him in private when Yamaria had visited his family in the old village at his grandmothers', "She is one of a kind for many reasons, not just because she has your heart." 'My mother knew,' he thought, 'but how?'

He proceeded to call his mother, "Mamma, sono io. Volevo solo dirti che ti amo e il padre e mi dispiace che sono stato via,' he said. His mother remained brief and cryptic.

"Te l'ho detto Yamaria era speciale , non perderla," she said. "I told you Yamaria was special, do not lose her." Salvatore smiled at Yamaria who wanted to wait until he finished his phone call and speak to him one last time for the evening.