The dark void of humanity

Chapter one.

day first.

The lifeless day was nothing more than a dull, miserable stretch of time. Cold raindrops pattered against the windows of the train as it jolted forward, rushing towards its next stop. The trees passed by in a flash, the dreary scenery too dreary to care. 

Eyes sat fixated upon the window, watching the trickling rivulets of water that streamed down the glass. Weary passenger behind the window simply sighed, resting their forehead against the slick glass. 

 Their face was haggard, exhausted from the seemingly never ending day, mind could only focus on the passing scenery and faint murmur of the raindrops trickling down the windows, longing for this day to finally come to an end. 

 Dreary scenery outside was as miserable as the day itself, with each passing view showing more of the same. The trees appeared grey and lifeless, their limbs and leaves drooping as if they too were sick and tired of this life. A thick smog hung low in the air, blanketing everything in a thick blanket of darkness, further dampening the already bleak appearance of the world.

 In a moment of unexpectedness, an unfamiliar man stood in front of their seat, a kind smile on his face. The intrusive thought that drifted through their mind was rather mischievous: what so beautiful about this dreary day was not worthy of such a kind smile.

 "May I sit with you, young lady?" The stranger's warm voice floated over to them, cutting through the silence of the cramped, uncomfortable train. 

 The overwhelming feeling to be left alone grew stronger still, resulting in a small, uncomfortable wrinkle appearing on her forehead. 

 "No." 

 Her words were sharp, meant to push away the unwanted man who dared to speak to her. Despite her harsh rejection, the man refused to leave, taking the seat anyways. 

 "Where are you headed?" he asked. 

 "Nowhere." She simply replied, refusing to elaborate or engage with his conversation any further. 

 "Where is nowhere?" he asked sarcastically, still pushing further to make conversation with her, hoping to pry some sort of information out of her. 

"Home." 

She replied again, giving just enough information to answer his question. She was losing her sanity with each passing moment, realizing it was her final stop before reaching home. She turned to face the man beside her, taking in his features quickly. 

His height was quite impressive, his hair tied into a ponytail, his age seeming to be in the mid-thirties by hisface. His eyes were bright and radiated positive energy, which she was not fond of, yet she tried to ignore it. 

 "Why did you decide to sit next to me in particular? There are other seats free," she asked, speaking in a hostile tone. 

 But the stranger didn't respond to her query, merely adjusting the glasses on his eyes before reaching out his hand to her, as if the question hadn't occurred. 

 "I'm Elric," he finally said, introducing himself, his voice was soft and gentle. 

 "And you, young Lady?"  Her gaze slipped down to the man's outstretched hand, her hesitation growing with each passing moment. 

 When the older woman's voice came over the train's speakers, announcing the stop, she rose at once, without any word. She simply glanced at the man, ignoring his sharp gaze on her back as shewalked by him, exiting the train and leaving the man behind. 

 She was exhausted, drained from the long day, only desired the warmth of her bed and the comfort of her duvet.With an umbrella in hand, she turned to face the train that was now leaving, yet she could still see Elric smiling and waving at her.

 Her heart felt strange, a strange feeling growing inside her stomach but the thought of never having to see him again filled her with a sense of relief.