Salvation

Chapter VIII

'I'm not one of them' - was what I wanted to say the moment they brought him in.

But now I was scared. Scared how to start the conversation.

I cleared my throat, feeling a bit uncomfortable and asked, "Do you know why you are here?"

He didn't answer, his gaze was firmly focused on the floor.

"I know you don't like me, but...", I started, but his sudden laugh stopped me. It was a laugh filled with agony and bitter heart, as though he purposely mocked the whole ridiculousness of his state.

"Spare me...", he sighed tiredly, disinterestedly waving his hand. He finally directed his gaze towards me. "Why do you look so scared? You weren't the one who was down there, were you?"

A flush of guilt overwhelmingly swept over me.  "I..."

"Why don't you introduce yourself first, after all, you should have the basics of proper etiquette.", he added, his voice suddenly turning cold.

"My name is...ugh...just call me Sophie." I nervously played with my hands the whole time, not sure whether to look at him or the floor.

His next movement immediately grabbed my attention. He suddenly got up on his feet with surprising ease.

"Well, miss 'Sophie'...", he sang playfully. "Where is the rest of it?", he added teasingly.

My gaze was now glued to his figure, and I finally caught up the courage to openly look at him. Pure anger flaring from his eyes that held no emotion, made me freeze in fear. As if it was his intention to play with my emotions, which consisted mainly of fear at the moment, he made two bold steps towards me.

"Just Sophie will do."

"May I ask for your name?", I added politely, visibly shaken by his actions. He didn't seem as weak as before. A pure horror of how it might have all been an act, send my mind in turmoil. Still, I didn't dare to move, I remained perfectly calm as if I was in a middle of a friendly chat  with one of my friends.

He stopped for a second, thinking about something. "I refuse to tell you. I don't believe it is any of your business who I am or whom I might be." As quickly as he said it he stepped to advance, but the same quick action that already brought him closer, made him wince and close his eyes in pain. "It seems I'm in a quite bad shape at the moment. I guess I have you to thank for that.", he added bitterly. Again, he made his way towards me, this time slowly evaluating his steps, forcing himself to bear the pain. The metal rings clanged with every step he made, making this all walk of pain unbearable to watch. I wanted to stop him from advancing any further seeing how each step took a great effort.

"Please...", I said halfway up, ready to personally come little closer to him this time.

"Really now, don't insult my good intentions. I don't want to look all that weak.", he said mockingly.

I obediently withdrew back in discomfort.

"There is no need to come all the way over here.", I warned, this time aware of how much of actual pain he was currently feeling. That and I was scared of his sudden urge to come this near, especially since I was told he was capable of pretense behaviour.

"Isn't it proper to speak while we are facing each other? Not from that much of a distance?", he glanced back to where he came from.

I firmly pressed the little device in my hand. I clearly remembered all their talk, so I knew some sort of caution was necessary, but still, if I were to help him I shouldn't have been in constant fear of of him.