Eminence (Wattpad Edition)

Note 5 - Walls of Memories

The harsh rattle of his phone jolted Warren awake, its vibration echoing off the nightstand like a drill. He fumbled to silence the alarm. 5:30 a.m.

The room was still dark, but the horizon would start glowing in less than an hour. If they left now, they could beat traffic, and more importantly, the sun.

He rolled over and saw Emanon curled tightly under the blanket, cocooned. Only the faintest shape of her nose peeked through the folds.

How could she breathe under there?

He smiled faintly. Maybe this was normal for her. Maybe it felt safe.

He watched her chest rise and fall, slow, and steady. Peaceful. The sight made him feel guilty for needing to wake her.

"Emanon," he said, reaching out, then stopping just short of touching her.

"Hmmm?" came her muffled voice. She peeked out, eyes still hazy with sleep.

"I'm sorry. I know you're tired... but it's time to go."

"Mmmkay..." she mumbled, dragging herself upright, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand. Her movements were slow, but he felt the minutes ticking faster than he liked.

***

Emanon packed in silence, folding her few belongings into the crinkled shopping bag. The chill outside the blanket was sharper than expected. She checked her phone, 70% battery. Still no message from Jack.

Warren stepped out of the bathroom, towel over his shoulders, and paused.

"You're going to wear your nightgown?"

She looked up, blinking slowly. "I'm going to sleep the whole way."

"I was hoping you'd take a peek at the sunrise."

Emanon didn't look in his direction as she continued to pack, stealing a sheet off one of the beds. Warren wanted to tell her she couldn't do that but he hesitated.

"My eyes are too sensitive. I wouldn't be able to see it properly."

"What if we got you sunglasses?"

She finally looked up. "What's the point? The colors wouldn't come through right. It'd just be... muted." She stood there for a moment, still dragging the sheet into the bag and pushing it down to fit.

"Some things just aren't for me anymore."

Warren fell quiet.

She slung the bag over her shoulder. "Is your car nearby?"

***

Warren paused, then opened his mouth to answer, but the words didn't come. He froze, his mind suddenly empty. Where is my car? He searched for the answer.

He felt his stomach drop, the familiar rush of panic surging up his throat. Shit. Where the fuck is my car? He thought, as if repeating the question would command an answer.

His eyes darted towards the window on the off chance that his car might suddenly appear.

Nothing. No car. Nothing familiar. Why is it gone? His heart pounded, breath short and shallow.

A rush of thoughts. Chaotic and frantic. Phone. Bank account. He fumbled for his phone, the cold metal of it a small anchor in his trembling hands. His fingers flew over the screen, his banking app open. The notification flashed. Rental charge. His eyes scanned the text like it was the first time he'd seen it.

A key fob. The coat pocket. Oh. He felt the tension release, only slightly. I rented it. That's right. The thought felt like a lifeline, but the panic didn't fully let go. His thoughts were still scrambling, still a step behind.