tiger, tiger, burning bright {kousei}
Sept 3, 2017 16:21:36 GMT -5
Post by solo on Sept 3, 2017 16:21:36 GMT -5
eddie roberts.They haven't cleaned up the ashes yet.
Stretched out across the grass, stomach to the ground, chin resting on the back of by hands. My head tilts and the wind picks up. Tiny flecks of grey, lighter than air, flickering across the earth and then up, up, up, to somewhere that must be better than here. A place where things can fly and gravity stops holding them down. They were books at one point, but I've made them so much more than that.
I've made them beautiful.
Air rushes out of my lungs and a puff of soot billows into a cloud before me. I've never actually used a cigarette before, but I imagine it would be something like this, perhaps with the taste of fire and smoke in my mouth. And wouldn't that be an experience?
Sunlight peaks over the horizon, and suddenly I've bored myself staring at the heap of grey in front of me for so long. I roll on to my back, dew soaking into my shirt, and lift myself on to my feet. Wet hands clean themselves off against my pants. The Home is quiet, at least, for the time being. The nurses are likely still asleep. As for the children, well, who knows what sort of trouble we'll get in to today.
I can hear people beginning to stir in the streets. My steps carry me over to the fence of the Home, a flimsy wooden thing that hasn't been repaired in a decade. I slip under the rail and across the gravel road in seconds, boots crunching against tiny rocks beneath me. There's a change in temperature, however slight, and I wiggle my fingers at my sides. I've always liked mornings; it's when you can really feel the sun.
"Eddie?"
I don't jump. Instead, I hold still, gaze flickering side to side, listening like a deer caught in headlights. I can hear the door to the Home, squeaking ever so slightly on it's hinges. Probably one of the nurses who doesn't sleep as well at night.
"Eddie, come, b--"
Before she can continue, I slip down the street, turning the corner and disappearing in seconds. I don't particularly want to be stuck in the Home this morning. There's very few people on the streets at this time of day, an unfortunate thing since there aren't enough crowds to hide in. But I'll get by.
Down one street, around the corner, take a left, another left, a right. But there's foot steps behind me, and despite having a head start, I can't seem to shake my pursuers.
Great.
My feet skid to a halt, and I scan the ally, searching for a place to hide. But to my dismay the street is empty. I glance up, desperation clawing up my throat. I've been stuck in that damn Home a week now, I don't want to go back any time soon.
There, up the fire escape. Someone's window is open.
Desperation sinks back down and my lips curl up ever so slightly. I move to clamber up the ladder, quiet as possible, hand over hand until I'm a good story above ground. I slip inside and crouch beneath the sill, peaking over the edge. A nurse and one of the night guards run past beneath me.
A sigh escapes and I drop down into a sitting position, eyes closed, leaning back against the wall.
Safe for now.
