"Tap, tap, tap," footsteps reverberated through the empty hallways giving the already dark scenery some contrast. All around, evidence of I'll intent was proudly presented; broken glass, caved in walls and varying sizes of shrapnel, nothing good could come from here.
The only vibrance to the whole scenario was the flame of a candle fluttering on the peak of a pink cupcake, and my subtle smile despite my apparent sombre mood.
As I arrived at a secluded area, some semblance of life began to surface. Clean floors, the hinting smell of roses, paintings and pictures littering the wall and a few tables and chairs here and there.
I sat on one of the present chairs and mummered to myself, " Happy birthday mom." As I stared deeply into the candle's flame, long cherished memories of my mother flooded back.
Her death was scarring, and my survival was scary. Despite that, in her honor, I celebrated her birthday every year making sure that if the world forgot about her, atleast, I would be the one to remember.
I blew out the flame.
Just as it's smoke dissipated, a familiar rhythmic sound made it's way to me. This sound could not be mistaken; my benefactor, the second creator of this little haven, the only person I could truly call friend, " Annette," I uttered, a small chuckle escaping from my lips.
"Hey idiot," Annette yeld out, " oh sorry, Happy birthday mama Rome," her voice seemingly changing from playful to sorrow filled.
"What are you doing here? I thought I made it clear that I like being alone today," I inquired.
"I got something I want to show you," playfully pointing a the way out.
"Which is?"
"Just c'mon, it'll be fun."
Her voice was soft, soothing and convincing. I could never muster up the courage to say no to her. Therefore, I obediently followed.
Annette ended up eating the cupcake, due to me being lactose intolerant, but she made up for it by buying me candy. Even though I detested sweet things, I took them out of care for her.
We trodded to the park, Annette making random stops just to throw light-hearted jokes. She has always been fun and adventurous, getting us into the most bizzare of situations. Everyone flocked to her, but in the end she chose me.
She gave me a feeling of specialness. When the world shunned me, she was the only one to stick by my side. Just like mom.
"Were here!" Annette yelled out.
We stopped at the park's abandoned nature trail. There was a wild animal uprise that caused people to feel insecure, this the path soon became deserted. It was the place Annette and I hang out.
"What was it that you wanted to show me?" I inquired.
She the looked at me, her gaze trailing me up and down. The wind played with her hair, weaving it into undying knots, her eyes, glistened and sparked at every ray of sunlight. Yet, no response came.
Her, proceeding to move closer to me, wrapped her dominant hand around my waist. Her other hand flicked the hair of my face, as I she wanted a better look at it.
The heat emanating from her body was well received by mine as her lovely fragrance enveloped me.
Holding me close, she stared deep into my eyes, denying me the reprieve from her beauty. Then ...
Ă Ă Ă Ă
"Help! Help! How did we even get up here?!" My faith in Annette draining form me and quickly transferring to the only thing keeping me alive, the branch on which we stood on.
"You... You ju..umped, you jumped," I said in disbelief, " how do you even jump that high?!"
The looming threat of falling still ringing at the back of my mind, I glanced at Annette seeing if I can find any reprieve. Just as her eyes met mine, she embraced me in a hug.
Fear, doubt, warryness, they all erased from my mind, all that remained was peace. Peace that only Annette could supply.
Slowly but abruptly, she blew into my eye, signalling that she wanted to say something.
"Brace yourself," she spoke softly. Then initiating movement, she fell. We both fell. The wind once again graced us with it's crushing presence and our inevitable descend to the ground hastened exponentially.
Since death in my mind was unforeseeable, I simply took comfort in Annette's embrace. I took time to take in the passing scenery; the flashing of sunlight, and the never ending display of trees.
Just then, Annette twisted mid air, she wanted to be the one to make first contact. She was always so loving.