The strings we found in the darkness

You're the only light I need

Winona POV-
The city just blurred into a haze of memories I hadn't yet discovered.
I've always been the type to ruminate. The subway endeared its tracks, friction building with every screech and clank.
I just brushed it off. My thoughts intruding ; ever since I was a child I found myself "people watching." I know the elderly do it with birds but, I find it endearing painting stranger's lives with my own brush.
No two faces are the same. They can be similar, never the same- just like their stories.
My eyes flick from one to another.
A man with tired eyes looking out the window.
Flick he must be a depressed lawyer.
A woman, eyes burning with creative passion.
Flick She must be an artist, struggling, but has a big dream!
Another woman, humming looking at her phone. With a soft expression painted on her face.
Flick A cafe owner? No. Maybe she's a... Vet! Yes! Of course.
Another flick, another one and then another one-
FLICK!
A guy, wearing a white sweater vest, denim jeans. Fine, unruly, medium length hair.
A tawny colour, Sandy, like a beach on the key west. Roots black though. Hair must be dyed.
Azure eyes, decedent to the almond shape. Rough knuckles.
He... he's in that band at my school isn't he?
What's his name.... Matteo... maybe?
He doesn't speak much.
Curious as I am, I stride towards him.

Clearing my throat I get ready to speak...
"Hey! You're Matteo right?" I stammer.
His aura speaks of distance...

Matteo POV-
Music's always been my escape.
I hate the subway.
When it goes through tunnels mostly. The darkness engulfs me.
I peer at every person. Every. Single. One of them.
The darkness is hungry, it swallows all of us.
No mercy.
I hate the dark.
But my music is my haven. It gets me through this horrific environment, that's why I'm in a band.
But sometimes your greatest love can be the greatest hate. At least mine was born from that.
Preoccupied, I dart my gaze. Looking for the next tunnel we're going to go through.
Here we go.
The train climbs its way forward, with ease.
"Hey! You're Matteo right?"
A fleeting stop of my heart, my eyes casted downwards.
Isn't she- Winona... from English?
DARKNESS! DARKNESS! DARKNESS! DARKNESS!
What does hyperventilating feel like?
Why is the subway dark?
I think the lights also turned off.
Did Winona know?
Why would she, she's not me.
Why is she looking at me like that.
Hot flashes, chills? GOOSE BUMPS.
I grip my chest.

What the hell.
Why's the train not MOVING?
Why aren't we out of this TUNNEL?!
Why are people walking around?
Why is Winona confused?

Winona, help me.
I don't know you-
But help me.

Winona POV-
The train jerks into a standstill.
Matteo disappearing into the murky depths.
Looks like we're in a tunnel.
Laboured breathing...
It sounds like Matteo.
"Matteo?" I question.
"Are you okay?"
Nothing, quicker breathing.
"Matteo?!"

Matteo POV-
What is she saying to me?
Why can't I hear her?
I want to hear her.
"Winona."
I can't see her. Oh god. I can't see.
"Matteo is everything okay? you sound scared!" She exclaimed.
"Winona, help me please." I stammer.
Gingerly but needy. I place my hand on her shoulder.
I'm really not close with her, I like to keep a barrier between me and the rest of the world.
But right now.
I can't hear my music. Her worry is drowning it out.
I suddenly feel my headphones being taken off of my head.
Winona puts them around my neck.
"Thank you." I choked.
"Do you want to sit down?" She asked.
Her voice, it sounded so gentle.
I nodded my head.
She clasped my wrist guiding me through the shadows.
I think she's using her phone flashlight.
"Here you go, take a seat." She assured.
I could tell she had a soft smile. Even if the dark snatched it from her.
I take a seat and put my head in my hands.
"You don't have to worry about me now. Winona, you don't know me." I remarked.
"I'm not leaving you by yourself having a panic attack, even if we're not close." She argued.
I felt my eyes shimmer, like a sequin jacket in harsh light.

Winona POV-
He seemed so worried. It worried me.
The poor guy, must be afraid of the dark.
I know him from high school English, I think we're both in university now.
I hope this subway moves eventually. I don't want to be stuck here.
I lowered my gaze, to him sat on the subway seat. Sympathy etched my face.
I put my hand on his shoulder and gently rubbed it.
This is awkward...
"Winona, do you remember me?" He asked.
"Of course I do, High-school English. I think you sat a row or two infront of me." I exclaimed.
"Right yeah, you did." He mutters.
"You're in that band right?" I raised a brow.
"Yes, I am."
"What's it called again?" I respond.
"The whispered Riot." He stammers.
Cool name, Very contrasting.
Wait-
"Aren't you a band without a singer?"
A frown painted his face as he dug his head between his legs.
"Yep, we don't talk about it."
CRAP. I made him feel worse, when he just had a panic attack? Winona you really are smart aren't you.
"Thanks for asking though, not many people care about my band." He mutters.
"Oh, no worries."
I smile. Not like he can see it.
"Winona I know this is a weird request. But, can I call you later?" He asks.
Well that took me by surprise.
"Yeah sure." I pat him on the back.
"You still have my number from highschool right?"
"Yeah, I do." He responds.
I clear my throat.
"Matteo, why is the dark scary for you?" I queried.

Matteo POV-
"I'm not sure" I'm straight up lying through my teeth to this girl, not like I want to.
I can see her brunette hair illuminated by her phone's flashlight. Her olive skin, her hand holding my shoulder. A soft pout painted on her lips, I like the lipstick she's wearing. Her eyes were alike honey.
"Ah, alright then." She answers.
DARKNESS! DARKNESS! DARKNESS!
Here we go again.
"Winona. Winona wait." I reach to my shoulder and grab her hand and squeeze it.
"I just really. Hate the dark."

Winona POV-
I nod in sympathy and hold his hand.
His knuckles feel rough, but the palm so smooth, I wonder what moisturiser he uses.
I can feel a warm flush on my cheeks. Thank god it's dark so he can't see it.
"It's all going to be okay, Matteo." I reassure.
"They're working on getting it running again. Then you'll see the light once more." I again, reassure.

Matteo POV-
As I mentioned earlier.
I really don't know Winona well.
We were from different cliques. But she would always lend a pen to me if I needed it.
We'd just exchange smiles in the hallway. That's it. Nothing more.
She had friends, was intelligent.
I sat in the back, headphones in.
Of course I was always listening... kind of.
I got good grades nevertheless.
The dimness consumes.
Yes, the light will be back soon Winona.
But right now...
You're the only light I need.