Chapter 01: Smoke (i)
“You do not exist.”
Four words uncannily wither away, bewitching the trails of smoke to satisfy the escalating emptiness inside of her very being. Twirling one familiar ignited stick between her fingers like a master of puppetry, she held the remaining stack accountable. Cynicism alone had been somewhat of an easier deal to dwell with; she knew just the precise moment to pull off the strings and permit the show to draw towards an end. Living an entire life with someone who had quite the opposite perspective of viewing reality was a different story. She would have definitely agreed to disagree if it weren’t for a train of consequences, mapped out especially to brainwash her into disbelieving all she had ever known. How persistent the figure had been with such a mission, not many did know of. And that distinctive nature was another epidemic adding to the list, which had never disappointed in convincing passers-by to keep to themselves. It wasn’t unnoticed, the fact that word could spread fast and wide in the modern world.
Thus, evenings of the past had been mostly similar with not much occurrences when she’d wheel out the disabled woman down the neighbouring block. Now that the last family member had long crossed the rainbow bridge, fresh air was one scarcity to her existence. And silence to the ears, was heaven-turned-hell.
“You can be my master. But I’ll never be your slave.”
A cigarette butt collided with its reflection in rage and bounced back, surrendering itself to gravity. Two pairs of black orbs glared at each other and a promising fight commenced for dominance. The heated duel went on for only a couple of seconds and then, suddenly her head fell back. Shrills of laughter reverberated in the premises of the four white walls.
“Stop seeking refuge from darkness. You can’t disown yourself.”
(To be continued)