Escape The Moon

Shadows And Light

   In the quaint town of Cutler, nestled amidst rolling hills and whispering forests, there stood a gas station at the edge of its border to Malian, a tourist hotspot with more drama than a soap opera. Its fluorescent lights flickered like distant stars in the night sky, casting a gentle glow upon the worn pavement below. Here, amidst the hum of passing cars and the soft rustle of leaves, Arabella Matten found herself at home.

   As a young gas station attendant, Arabella's days were spent amidst the steady rhythm of the pumps and the quiet chatter of customers passing through. But beneath her calm exterior lay a soul ablaze with a fire that refused to be extinguished. Arabella had always felt a deep-seated connection to the darkness, a sense of destiny that whispered to her in the stillness of the night.

   From a young age, Arabella had been drawn to the shadows, captivated by their mysterious allure. Where others saw darkness, she saw an opportunity—a chance to illuminate the hidden corners of the world and draw out the light that lay dormant within. It was a gift that had always set her apart, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty that surrounded her.

   But Arabella's journey had not been without its struggles. Growing up in this quiet town, she had often felt the weight of her own doubts and insecurities pressing down upon her like a heavy cloak. Yet, amidst the darkness, there had always been a flicker of light—a guiding star in the vast expanse of the unknown.

   Throughout it all, Arabella's steadfast companion had been Ezekiel, her closest friend and confidant. With his gentle words of encouragement and unwavering support, he had helped her navigate the twists and turns of life, reminding her of the worth and potential that lay within her heart.

   And so, as Arabella stood beneath the fluorescent lights of the gas station, she couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose stirring within her.

   Arabella glanced up from her work as Ezekiel entered the station, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hey, Arabella," he greeted, leaning against the counter. "Any crazy encounters yet today?"

  Ezekiel Russo was Arabella's childhood friend. One she had shared some of her best and worst memories with, and for that she would be forever grateful. The two accompanied each other almost everywhere, and their parents swore ages ago the two would someday marry, But Arabella had known since they were in diapers Ezekiel had a love for boys. She was the person he sat beside when telling his mom the news back in high school. His mother was a good, honest woman. She loved him just the same. But Ezekiel's father had a mind so small an acorn wouldn't make it through, so he just tuned out his own son until he took off for college. Arabella's dark thoughts sang loud that day, but they were drowned by the taste of bourbon the pair found themselves chasing later that night in a run down bar. 

   "Hey, Ezekiel," Arabella replied, returning his smile. "It's been pretty quiet so far. But you know me, always ready for a little action."

   Ezekiel chuckled softly. "That's one of the things I love about you, Arabella. No matter how dark things may seem, you always manage to find the light."

   Arabella's smile faltered slightly as she glanced out the window, the darkness of the night seeming to press in around them. "Sometimes, though, it feels like the darkness is winning," she admitted softly.

   Ezekiel reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "You're stronger than you think, Arabella. You have a light inside of you that shines brighter than any darkness. And no matter what challenges may come your way, I'll always be here to remind you of that."

   Arabella felt a surge of warmth spread through her chest at Ezekiel's words. "Thank you, Ezekiel," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

   As they shared a quiet moment together, Arabella couldn't help but wonder: what adventures awaited her beyond the familiar streets of Cutler?