1st Thread
You were not a voice, not a face, but a presence— Unknown.
Carina
Light filed in from the windows, bathing the old library in the suns evening hues. There were fewer people aroun, only three: one of which was a hooded boy on the far-left bent over a book and he does seem intent on keeping his head down. The other two were an old couple. Though, they did well to keep their voices low i could tell they were engrossed in a rather joy full discussion.
I could see the way their faces were lit as they shared thoughts about books and writers. I too know what its like to be so passionate about books, though i was usually alone, but i did always imagine that one day just like in those stories I’d meet my own special person. Yes! He’d be handsome and cultured, kind and funny! I imagined he’d burst through the library doors and sweep me away in to our happily ever after. I smiled to myself left hand prodded against my chin as I floated upon my thoughts.
I was still in my head when i heard the little bell outside the door ring for the final time, i heard the last person exit. It was the hooded boy, he paused to look back at the library, his eyes taking in the whole of it. Yes his eyes, he had such beautiful eyes. His were a shade of blue i couldn’t quite place, the intensity of its color was drowning me. His eyes shifted and pulsed under his hood like dual stars seen through a crack in the world. For a moment our gazes met, and his eyes softened. “Evening, Carina” I paused caught off guard but i knew this voice all too well. It was dripping with kindness and a sharp wisdom. “O-oh” I was anchored back from my fantasies as i looked upon the man that helped me and my mom through the highs and lows, who gave me this job. I turned back to the door way, but the boy was gone. “Mr. Evans” i Finally blurted out dazed from the encounter. He smiled warm and tender but i knew that was a facade. I knew what was coming. “Don’t give me that long face now.” He said cheerfully. I debated taking off my hearing aids, just to pass the topic i had been dreading all day, even though he wanted to tell me sooner I found some excuse to delay the inevitable. ” Don’t you think we should give it more time, I mean are we really going to close down the library?” My voice came out small and mournful. Mr. Evans sighed and smiled as he reached to pat my head.” You know I’ve tried all i could but business has been slow.” His ancient hands ran through my hair and i could tell that this was hard for him too. ” You know this could be good for you. A young girl like you should be out enjoying her life, not cooped up in an old library all day.” I wanted to object, the memories i made here are far more treasurable than anything the outside world could give. I travelled the world in this library, slayed dragons, cried over the deaths of fictional characters. I felt love, heart break and all! I knew he meant well, he wanted me to spend more time with my friends and stop ignoring their calls or shooing them away. I nodded anyways knowing that i couldn’t protest. It was late out and despite Mr. Evans protests, i walked home alone, it didn’t feel right to drag him around considering his age.
I looked on to the night sky, all traces of the sun were gone replaced by twinkling dapples of stars. I walked along still devastated. It seems hard to move on from this, the library was more than just a side job for me. I couldn’t help but imagine when i first started, Mr. Evans bright face lined with the traces of age and despite the fact that i had no intention of him paying me he still did even after a hefty debate. This is sad. I am sad. I paused at a crossroad and realized there were no cars, not even people.
Ok, this was strange. I hurried on my steps now ten times faster, mom would be worried if I’m late, yeah just think of home, not the creepy streets or sounds or th-that cloud? No fog? I couldn’t make it out but it was making its way toward me and fast too fast! I froze as the street lights flickered and trash cans were thrown around the street. Before i could even run or think a black storm of Obsidian hit me like a wall. I was thrown back into an alley.
Pain and a strange sensation weld up inside me as patches of black replaced my vision. I tried to pull against the abyss, but its chains held tight and unyielding. Consciousness was a fleeting thing and before i knew it -
-darkness was my only embrace.
