The little girl glanced up at me with her big brown eyes. She smiled as if she was happy, but her eyes told a different story. This young girl was much braver than I could ever be. She wore torn clothing and I could see bruises on her legs that chained to the pipe next to me. She seemed to have no parents either, yet she still smiled like the bright sun warming the earth. I lowered down to sit on the floor next to her crisscrossed "Hi, I am Sky" I introduced myself. She stared at my mouth as I spoke, but she said nothing back. I guess she was afraid to talk to strangers, I know I would be too if I was here at her age.
Still, I continued to speak to her, "How old are you? Do you have a name?" I asked I wanted to be a person she could trust. Why? Because that's what she needs, someone who could help her, protect her, accompany her. But... why try? You can't even protect the ones you love. Your mother is gone because you left her. Vincent is dead because you left him. What makes you think you can protect her? You'll leave her behind too. All you know how to do is leave. You protect yourself instead of others. You should know, the only reason destructive things are happening to the people you love is because you came into their lives. How do you even know what she needs? You don't know her. You don't even know yourself. The girl's small hands placed onto both sides of my cheeks interrupted my thoughts.
She stared at my mouth like she was waiting for me to speak, but I didn't say a word. She looked into my eyes and smile again, almost as if she was telling me everything would be all right. She laid her chin down onto my shoulder and her small arms wrapped around me as far as she could get them. A hug? It was so simple, so pure, yet so strong. I never thought a simple hug could clear one's ugly thoughts so fast. I had no choice but to hug her back.
She held onto me for some time. It felt like the hug wasn't only for me. Her small fists clung to the back of my shirt. She soon fell into my lap, her head on my chest as she kept ahold of me. Seconds later, I heard whimpering and tiny sniffs. This powerful soul was letting out all the pain it kept inside with one big hug. I rubbed her back for a few minutes before lifting her up.
Her bottom lip was quivering as she rubbed her teary eyes. I gave her a smile before taking her small hands into mine, "No crying all right? We are big, strong, and brave. We can cry from sadness or fear and it's good too, but we can also overcome our sadness and fears. I don't want you to take other people's opinions or problems seriously either. Let no one try to control you and tell you who you are and what you're not. Listen to your mind and trust your heart because they are a part of you and only you know who you are." I chuckle softly at myself once I've realized I was speaking to a child that probably didn't understand a thing I was saying.
"I know you might not understand what this crazy guy is talking about, but once you get older, you'll understand. I also want you to know that 'true love' is real and it will take you years and a few tries, but you'll find it. When you do, hold them close. Protect them... Never leave them behind... because... you'll never know if you'll ever get them back.." I didn't know what I was going on about but I guess it was something she needed to know. Although she might not remember this conversation or me. I looked back at her, she seemed to be calmed down. She moves away from some strands of her long brown curly hair that was in her face. I smiled "And if you have a boyfriend and I found out he hurt you, I will beat him up!" I said jokingly as I pinched her cheeks softly and wiggled them back and forth.
She giggles at my gesture, which made me chuckle. She placed her hands on my cheeks and pinched mine as well. I pretended as it hurt by giving a fake pouting expression, which made her laugh even more. I am glad she is smiling and laughing. At least I can bring someone joy.
She suddenly took my hand with my palm facing upwards. She used her index figure to slowly trace invisible letters into my palm. I observed as she spelled out L-A-Y-L-A. Curious, I looked at her and repeated what she spelled "Layla?" I asked as her eyes stared at my mouth and then nodded.
She must be extremely shy or not trust me fully to speak to me. I respect her decision not to talk, after all, I don't know what she has been through. "That must be your name, I'll remember it" I promised. Of course, this delicate moment couldn't last long. A wealthy-looking man in a suit and tie came towards us "Let me see both of your arms" he said. Without giving us time, he pulled her long sleeves up reviling some scratches, purple marks, and a big red circle with the number 1 in the middle of it "Item 1 I see, now let me see yours" He said while grabbing my arm and lifting my sleeve up "Nothing? You're not branded yet?" He asked as I pulled my arm away from him. I sat there quietly, pulling the girl close to my chest.
Item? What the hell is he talking about? We are real living beings, not food or toys. The man called out to some women as he left the room, "This boy needs to be branded and make sure Item 1 is prepared to go on stage!"
Two women with their hair up in a bun wore the same plain black dress that came down to their knees. They had a white color with a white apron tied around their waist. They reminded me of the maids in the mansion, but they wore white masks that covered the top half of their face. One of them tried ripping Layla out of my arm, but I would not let that happen. It was hard when I could only use one hand. Damnit, the lady is pretty strong and I don't have a good grip on her. I can't let her be taken into their filthy hands! I uncrossed my legs and used them as my weapon. I kicked the lady away from me. All this moving was hurting my cuffed wounded hand and making it worse.
Layla wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. She pulled away and stood up, reaching towards the lady. The lady got ahold of her undoing the chains on Layla's ankles. I sat up, reaching out for Layla, but she was an inch too far from my reach. I yanked on my wounded hand, trying to get my hand to slip through the cuffs. I pulled, I tugged, I yanked until my hand was until some skin tore apart and bled. I turned towards Layla as she held the women's hand, walking off towards a black curtain. Layla turned to look at me and gave me one last big smile and a small wave before disappearing behind the curtain.
Just like that... The sunshine disappears behind the storm clouds...