Timeless

Chapter three

    I woke up and saw Paul peacefully sleeping beside me, his lips slightly parted as he softly snored.
   Chuckling to myself, I shook my head and carefully got out of bed, being mindful not to disturb him.
   Stretching my arms overhead, I quickly put on my shoes and jacket, making sure to grab everything I needed before heading towards to door.
   As I walked down the hall, the sound of the ocean waves reverberated through the cave, creating a soothing melody that echoed off the walls. It was familiar and comforting sound that always brought a sense of peace to my soul.
   Just as I was lost in the rhythmic symphony of the waves, my loyal companion, Silly the pigeon, fluttered down to join me.
   I extended my arm, and Silly gracefully landed, her feathers softly brushing against my jacket.
   I gently petted her, feeling the warmth of her presence as we continued our journey together.
   Making our way towards the old blue faded couch, sitting down on the worn-out cushions, I sank into the familiar embrace of the couch.
   Silly nestled beside me, her soft cooing providing a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.
   In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of the ocean and the company of my feathered friend, I found solace and comfort.

As I slowly opened my eyes, the sight of the cave ceiling greeted me.
The soft glow of the hackmanite light filtered through the cracks, casting gentle shadows on the rocky walls.
Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I turn my gaze towards the center of the cave.
   There, nestled between Paul and Dwayne, lay Lilly, peacefully asleep. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I watched her, her serene expression bringing a sense of clam to my heart.
   It was moments like these that made me grateful that we found her.
   Realizing that Marko was nowhere to be seen, I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the makeshift bed.
   I reached for my black boots, next came my black long coat jacket.
   With a final glance at Lilly, still blissfully lost in dreamland, I made my way towards the door.
   Every creak of the hinges seemed amplified in the quiet night air, so I took extra care to open it as silently as possible.
   I didn't want to disturb Lilly's peaceful slumber, she deserved all the rest she could get.
   As I made my way down the hallway, the rhythmic crashing of the ocean waves filled the air, bouncing off the cave walls and creating a symphony of soothing sounds.
   It was a secret pleasure of mine, one that I hadn't shared with my brothers.
   There was something about the echo of the waves brought a sense of tranquility to this underground sanctuary.
   Entering the "living room," my eyes landed on Marko, comfortably seated on the worn-out blue couch, his pigeon perched on his arm.
   A smile spread across his face as he looked up and caught sight of me, I returned the gesture with a nod, acknowledging his presence and the quiet bound we shared.
   Taking my place in the wheelchair, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a cigarette, a small indulgence in this hidden world.
   As I lit it, the flame danced before my eyes, casting a warm glow on the surroundings.
   The familiar scent of tobacco filled the air, mingling with the salty aroma of the ocean.
   In that moment, as the waves continued their melodic dance and Marko petted his pigeon, a sense of camaraderie and contentment settled over us.
   We didn't need many words to understand each other, our presence spoke volumes.
   It was a quiet, unspoken connection that made this cave feel like home.  

    I groggily opened my eyes, expecting to see Marko lying next to me, but his side of the bed was empty.
   Confusion washed over me as I scanned the room, searching for any sign of him and then, my gaze shifted to the other side of the bed.
   There, in the soft hackmanite light, I saw Lilly peacefully asleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
   But what caught my attention was Dwayne's hand resting gently on her stomach, as if protecting her from the world.
   A warm smile tugged at the corners of my lips, witnessing the tenderness between them.
   Sitting up slowly, carefully not to disturb their peaceful slumber, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.
   I reached for my boots and slipped them on, followed by my jacket, as I made my way towards the door, every step of my boots hitting the floor seemed to amplified in the silence.
   I didn't want to disturb the tranquility that enveloped Lilly and Dwayne, so I took extra care to move quietly.
   As I walked into the "living room," I spotted Marko chilling on the worn-out  couch, and David in his wheelchair enjoying a cigarette. I greeted them with a smile.
"Hey, what time did y'all get up?"
   Marko replied, "I got up 15 minutes ago,"
   While David blew out a puff of smoke and said, "Not too long ago."
   Nodding in understanding, I turned on the rock box, making sure to keep the volume low so as not to disturb Lilly and Dwayne who were still fast asleep.
   The sound of Vestron Vultures "American Nightmare" filled the cave.

I woke up to the sound of music playing in the "living room." Slowly, I moved my hand off Lilly's stomach and sat up, slipping on my boots.
As I looked at Lilly sleeping peacefully, a smile spread across my face, taking in the sight of her lips slightly parted with soft snores.
"Hey Lilly, wake up," I whispered softly, gently nudging her.
She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and a beautiful smile graced her face as she saw me.
Carefully, I put on my leather jacket and picked up Lilly, setting her on my hip.
Together, we walked towards the door, as I walked into the "living room," I took in the scene before me.
Marko was comfortably seated on the old faded blue couch, David in his wheelchair enjoying a cigarette, and Paul sitting in the off-white chair, softly singing along to the music.
They all noticed me and Lilly, and Lilly's face lit up with excitement when she spotted the pigeon perched on Marko's arm.
Gently setting Lilly down, she couldn't contain her joy and ran towards Marko.
He scooped her up and placed her on his lap, allowing her to pet the pigeon.
Meanwhile I made my way over to the worn-out couch, joining Marko.
As I sat down, I ran my hand through Lilly's hair, enjoying this heartwarming moment together.