ℒ𝒶 𝒩𝓊𝒾𝓉 (AMBW)

𝟏𝟐 || 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧

When prey come to steal thee away, you shall do as they say.

Pray tell should you see another day, if it should be that you are saved...

You shall sing songs of glory in sadness on the eve whence the prey ravishes its final meal.

...

"There's nothing left in your cup. You've been stalling," Maria said as she began to put on her light jacket.

"I know, I just don't want to leave," answered Analisse. Catalina had left a half hour ago, leaving the girls to continue in a rather mundane and mindless conversation, for their minds had long drifted unto other thoughts.

And still, Analisse found herself unable to detach herself from her whirling of thoughts and internal dialogue... everything leading back to one name.

Minjun.

She needed to see him again, to confirm her very fears, worries, and paranoias... all centered around him. Because in some way, she felt being with him would ease all of the pain. And so, to exist without him, would be so that Analisse would become submerged in the oceans of her pain.

Hence, in such a strange way of thinking, her obsession should too become her demise.

"Hellooo? Analisse," called out her friend, pulling her away from her thoughts. "Listen, Arthur and I want to get out a bit tonight, I would invite you, but it seems..." she dragged out a bit, unsure what Analisse's response would be.

"No, I've changed my schedule a bit. I am expected at a meeting with a representative of my parent's estate this evening at the bed and breakfast," she lied.

"Oh, the one by the train stop?"

"Yes. Do you know it?"

A car honked loudly from the alley way. Maria quickly turned her head in the direction of the loud noise, while trying to figure out an answer. "It's well... the hotel by the train stop. Nothing much to say about it. But you're sure that's where you're supposed to meet him?"

With no hesitation in her voice, she answered truthfully. "Yes."

"Well, should you in any case return after me, make sure to wake me so I won't toss and turn worrying about you all night." With a brief smile, Maria waved to her good-bye, leaving change on the table for their drinks, and jumped in the front seat of her beaux's car.

"Miss, where may I find the nearest taxi car," Analisse asked the waitress.

"Just follow the road down into the main town square, where you'll usually find one at least near the post-office."

"Thank you."

...

Looking at her watch, the time read 9:10pm. The driver nodded his head signaling she could exit the car.

Everything looked the same as it had the first time she arrived, except that it wasn't raining. The vibrant yet dark, evergreen forest that surrounded the grand estate appeared to have been washed over with a thin coat of tears from that of a silent yet prolonged period of crying.

Beyond the apparent frightening appearance of the dark building, beneath its exterior, as though emphasized by the forest, was a deep sadness as consequence of its isolated existence.

If Analisse was going to get what she wanted, she would have to put aside all logic from this point forward. To stop thinking so much, and to just take the first step.