Fireflies

33

Mom laid asleep on the soft white sheets while her hair started to get more and more disheveled as she twisted and turned. She looked so at peace that I decided not to stir her awake. I tucked her in tight by fixing the fluffy duvet on top of her for she needed rest more than I do.

It was five in the afternoon and I spun around the hotel room barefooted, my thoughts all inching close to one person.

Mark.

I did not know what to do, I was going to meet him tomorrow. Everything seemed slow and haunting. I clutched the memento on my hand and bit my lip, the throbbing of my heart ringing in my ears.

"I need air," I mumbled, looking back at my Mom who was sound asleep, and decided that it was fine to go along with my plan. "I won't go far."

Changing into comfortable pants that hung freely on my hips and a blouse I got as a present from Angie not too long ago, I slipped in a pair of slippers and grabbed the hotel pass and memento on one hand, and then my phone on the other.

I had to get out of here, just for a little while. All the curtains were shut tight since Mom hated intense bright light from outside whenever she took a nap. This place was daunted with claws I pictured in my head that it seemed like something would come out of nowhere if I don't go out.  Again and again, I tried to tell myself that I'm safe now, safe from the hands of vileness.

I carefully tiptoed my way out of our room and left a note for Mom on the bedside table. She stirred once which caught me off guard but still, she returned back to low snores.

As soon as I closed the door behind me, I heaved a long sigh. My pulse kept on increasing and yet, my limbs weren't shaking.

Exhilaration came over me as if this was another step to being free. I had the guts to venture on my own now, even though it's not that big of a deal. I can keep my composure as I pass by couples and families checking in their own rooms, even motion a smile when some of the hotel staff greeted me along the way.

The spacious hallway kind of made me nervous, it seemed like it would never end. It mimicked the vibe of horror movies with immense lengths of doors, cream-colored walls, gigantic wall decorations and paintings, uniformed chandeliers, and customized lights. The carpet had its own touch of countless years stretching in its attempt to be spotless and unstamped by thousands of feet, marking its imprints of thousands of steps from strangers and people coming from everywhere in the world.

For sure, I could get lost here if I really dared myself to. But the only destination I had in mind was the terrace with the pool. When Mom and I passed by it earlier, I was charmed that I managed to slip in some swimming wear beneath my clothes just in case I wanted to take a dip.

I fastened my pace and turned corner to corner, noting in my head how far I had now been. As soon as I saw the entrance leading to the terrace right outside, a heavy feeling was lifted off of my chest. I jogged the rest of the way and panted upon reaching the glass doors.

When I looked up, the view mesmerized my eyes. I sauntered out of the shade of the roof and let my skin be peered upon by the setting sun. I was just in time for the most beautiful hour of the day. I caught myself lost for a few minutes, just looking up to the sky, and then to everywhere else that reflected the purple-pink hues.

This was the perfect place to read the memento while listening to some peaceful music. I had to savor each second that I had with the memento because who knows? The owner might wake up and take it back.

"You should take a picture, it lasts longer," a voice muttered out of nowhere, making me jolt in surprise.

I nearly squealed but when I saw that the person had walked closer to get a better view of my face, I stood stock-still like an awkward penguin unable to move and flap around.