[IC] 🕯️

P A R T   O N E

T H E  air was at a standstill, and the whole area froze. A great silence gently pulled the scene, like a curtain dropping on a stage or a cover  being closed on a book. Everything was dark, until a cloth slipped from her head, and she was made aware that she had been kneeling.

   “Go in peace,” a voice with the same gentle nature spoke to her. As she turned her head to look at the person who was speaking to her, she saw he was wearing some sort of black outfit. It flowed according to the darkness that had just blinded her. The cloth that had been on her head, was fastened like another garment around his neck. It was rich in color and embroidery with a shimmering red and gold.

  “Go where?” She asked automatically. Her eyes gazed not at the man who spoke, but down the stole around his neck. Brilliant gold threads dangled at the end of the fabric. Something about the craftsmanship seemed terrifying, and a sense of dread fell over her. “I don’t remember what I was doing.”

  “Do you remember who you are?” His voice was stern and kind. The sternness carried a heavy darkness, and the kindness carried a joy she wanted to remember forever. And, the answer he was looking for weighed more than the world.

  “I… don’t know,” she confessed. 

  “Do you remember who I am?” His voice continued with the same presence of compassion and concern. 

  Slowly, she looked up at the man’s face.  He had long facial hair and glowing blue eyes. She wanted to say, “Yes,” but she knew the answer was a lie, and something was telling her to tell the truth. 

  “I don’t know.” 

  She wanted to say, “No,” but something told her to not negate him. The reason was slipping further and further away from her as she stared at the man’s face. He seemed familiar with the long beard and compassionate eyes.

  “I promised your parents I would be with you when you woke up.” One hand stroked his beard. The gesture reminded her of something, like a silly jingle that made her want to laugh.  However, as she looked passed the man and around the room they were standing, she felt embarrassed by the tune and quickly withdrew.

   “Where are we?”  She asked. The place was filled with tarnished and burnt paintings on white walls. The roof was falling apart. There was some smell she could not quite make out. It was apparent that once upon a time, the place had been finely decorated and used for something lavish.

  “Your body.” The man said without wavering. His eyes kept steady on the girl. Her eyes widened as she stared at him. She had completely forgotten she had a body. 

  “My body?” Her eyes looked down at her hands. Several seconds passed in silence as she tried to understand what he was saying. There was a disconnect from what he said and what she understood. Part of her wanted to brush off what he was saying and be done with all of this. The other part of her wanted to stay and try to understand.

  “Yes, this is your body. Now, arise. Your journey is about to begin.” He held out his hand as to help her from her knees. She took the gesture with hesitation and turned to the back of the place. There were large unkept wooden doors. One was falling off. “I can go no further than this place.”
Mole ♡

Mole ♡
