After Twilight

400


He watched her from inside, breathing slow and deep for fear of disturbing her. There she stood in a black dress self modified with metal rings and crimson ribbon. The night was ever so still and begged to be drunk in, she had told him. He didn't laugh, just smiled and let her go.

Quietly he walked onto the balcony and joined the strange girl who only smiled with effort. He didn't think his presence was noticed until she casually laid her head on his shoulder and took his arm. Startled his breathing turned shallow.

"The stars are shining mighty bright," she said softly. As he looked up into the velvet sky he felt the weight of her lighten. Turning his attention back towards their current plane he noticed the sorrow in her hazel eyes.

All he could muster up in reply was, "the mood shines brightly too". The girl turned her gaze towards the ground seeming smaller than before. After a dozen quick heartbeats she propped herself up and sat on the wooden railing with her back to the world.

"I had a most wonderful time these few passing days." She smiled but it was tainted with sadness. They had another day ahead of them before parting so he wondered why so much sorrow tonight.

"So did I. I'm really glad we finally were able to get together."

"It has truly been a delight knowing you." That last statement sounded like a prelude to goodbye and he wasn't going to have it.

"As it has you. I can see us being friends for a very long time." The mysterious sylph only offered a half-hearted nod as if what he spoke was merely a fanciful dream.

Suddenly she locked her eyes with his, pupils dilated resembling two bright ebony pools outlined in sepia. The girl, now seeming otherworldly, parted her lips yet no sound came forth. She once again flashed that sad smile before leaning back, letting gravity take hold. He reached out to catch her, calling out into the night but his reflexes weren't quick enough and her name fell short. Holding his breath he stepped forward curiously fearful to see the aftermath of her disastrous meeting with the earth, only to find the grey grass grass still and undisturbed. His eyes wandered frantically and came upon no sign of the fae. She had been swallowed by the ether.