Grief

Chapter 4

"Sozec, it's now dusk, here is your mask," Vincent says handing Sozec a white mask lined with blue and gold jewels. Sozec puts on the mask and follows behind Vincent as he tiptoes down the hallway and to a bookshelf just outside Sozec's sleeping chambers. Sozec watches as the man presses something on the bookshelf opening up a small walkway beside the shelf.

Sozec follows behind closely silence filling the long dark cold passage until they finally reach a small door. Vincent opens the door revealing a small secluded home within the city walls. "We're here, take my hand. I don't want you to be separated in the crowd," Vincent says.

Sozec takes his hand and the two begin weaving in and out of the large crowd of people making their way to the theater just up ahead. "A festival must be present," Sozec comments. "Close, they're mourning the loss of the King," Vincent explains. Sozec flinches at the thought accidentally squeezing Vincent's hand in the process.

"We can go home if it is too much," Vincent says pulling Sozec closer to him so that he can hear in the dense city. "I am fine, Sir Vincent. Please, take me to the theater," Sozec says sliding out of Vincent's grip. Vincent grabs Sozec's hand again and guides him through the large crowd. Sounds of bells and multiple stringed instruments fill the area almost drowning out the chatter of the people in the streets. Children run through the crowd nearly knocking over Sozec to make their way to a food stands. 

The smell of qeene, the nation's dish runs rampant through the area. Qeene is made of a sweet bread filled with mashed strawberries and kale. It's a delectable loved by many young and old, rich and poor. There were many days in Sozec's youth when his father had threatened to ban qeene from being served in the castle to get Sozec and Eden to eat their meals. It always worked.

The two continue up the hill till they get to a small stone building on the edge of the street. The stone building sticks out from the other surrounding cobblestone buildings with the large stage and bright red curtains positioned beside the building. Sozec catches several people glancing at them as they walk by.

"It's Miracle," a young girl squeals as they approach the front door. All heads face the entrance as she speaks. "It's true," Vincent confirms. Several people in the small theater whoop and holler at the return of the beloved performer. "I'll go let the townspeople know, we're sure to have a packed house with you back Miracle," a man says. "We will go get ready, Ray," Vincent says weaving in between the packed backstage area.

The smell of alcohol and body odor fill the area as they walk through. Sozec takes in the smell happy to be in the familiar place again. The two enter a small dressing room. The wooden floor creeks with their every step but Sozec pays it no mind. The room has nothing but a desk with a chair, a folding screen, a chest, and a small hand mirror.

"It feels good to be back. It has been too long." Sozec thinks.

"Will you be wearing the blue gown or the white one," Vincent asks pulling out the large chest from under a desk. "I'll wear the black one," Sozec says letting his hair fall from the bun it'd been in. "Do you intend on performing something different?" Vincent asks.

"I do."

"Where have you found the time to practice? Are you sure you want to do this? We have not been here in two months. I am not skilled on the lyre to play a tune I hear with a moment's notice" Vincent says, panic filling his voice as pictures of an unfinished performance play in his mind.

"I want to perform the dance for my father," Sozec says. "I understand, Sozec. If this will offer you closure then I will not say more," Vincent says. Sozec walks past him taking the black robe and changing behind the folding screen. Sozec quickly finishes dressing, the robe though fitted weighs him down. The trim flows at his feet as he walks.