The Parallel Paths

Cold Hands Feel Warm When You're Freezing

The day of Alice's disappearance.

ALICE POV

A softer atmosphere, a gentle light, it was quiet without the presence of them.

Yet I still felt so weighed down, heavy as an anchor sinking deep into the abyss of guilt,

hopelessness.

Like a fish who dreams of the sunlight, being shoved down from the pressure of the ocean for I could not reach that light.

Watching as others grew stronger, fused with the gleam. The waves of jealousy washed over, pushing me aside.

I felt like I was nothing, nothing more than a burden, that's why I had to leave. The stress was overwhelming.

—————————————————————————

Orange flamed over the horizon, just resting to extinguish as it lowered slowly. The warmth hit my face, its embrace as soft as its hue.

A gentle walk through the woods soothed me, one with the earth as the grass brushed my ankles, its heavenly trees a guardian of my mental as I walked under its rays.

I felt enclosed as I began to break, my most vulnerable state being seen only by nature itself. The wind, a gentle touch against my damp cheeks leaving a cold aftermath.

I didn't think I went that far, the city was still in reach. I could still hear the busy streets, the clanking of soldiers or shouting—

yet the tranquility of the forest shielded me from the brutality. Its branches high so no one could see my tears, its hushed wind a silent comfort.

It was peaceful, welcoming my soft sobs and weakened state for I did not feel judged here— I knew it wouldn't for the sun couldn't reach me with its spotlight.

I had claimed a spot for myself in the forest, a slice of land to regain my thoughts, my confidence. Grass as soft as a blanket while a creak glistened in front me, clear as glass.

The birds chirped as the sun fell, resting in the shade as its last moments hit the trees tough bark.

This place was perfect, no distractions whatsoever.

I sat down, pulling my bag from around my back and tugging out my notebook. Sharp pencil in hand, I began writing with shaky fingers, brushing aside my tears as they thumped the papers.

I kept writing, writing about how horrible it's been ever since we got here, writing about how my friends didn't even feel like my friends— but like competition.

My vision grew blurry and my hands started shaking uncontrollably. I just gave up and set the notebook aside.

I always gave up.

I started wiping my tears away, sobbing softly. The streams were endless, rolling down my cheeks and chin.

Why was I crying so much?

Suddenly, the temperature dropped drastically, like some sort of ice cold blizzard. Goosebumps crawled up my skin, making me shiver.