The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 21

Kas

They both sit there quietly, Kas utterly bewildered and Ash seemingly understanding of theconfusion Kas feels. "What are you, Ash?",  Kas's voice breaks into silence. "What being areyou that you can give me this choice?". Ash sighs, "I am just an intern. I was assigned to youspecifically and I am really happy that you are my first job. Don't ask me any more personalquestions Kas. I have no more answers for you". Kas sits there thoughtfully wondering howthe closest friend he has had in years has suddenly become into this strange entity. "Kas, it'sgetting late" Ash breaks into his thoughts. "The passing lights will start getting fewer andyou might not get a good choice. "Kas gets agitated hearing this and suddenly panickingturns towards Ash "What if I end up as a wanted criminal"? Ash gives a hoot of laughter ashe slaps Kas on the back. "Won't that make it easy for you to take revenge on thosebastards then"? he chuckles, finding Kas's thought really funny. "Oh Yeah?! What if I amarrested before that"? Kas retorts, getting really annoyed. "Being strong and powerfulbehind bars doesn't really help me, does it? I'd rather be sick and weak and free"!Ash realizing that Kas is really afraid now, tells him soothingly "No criminals, no serialkillers, I promise". Kas relaxes and continues with his questions, "Will you still be with me if Ichoose this passing light choice"? Ash takes Kas's hand in his and Kas can hear the sadnessin his voice. "Kas, I can't be with you like we are now if you choose the lights. But I will try tovisit you if allowed". Kas sits for a few more minutes, pondering and Ash remains silent. "Iam ready to give up Kas "he says determinedly. "Let's do this". Ash stands up and Kasfollows suit. They stand watching the dark road waiting for the passing lights. The headlightsof a vehicle start moving down the road, the driver careful and slow "This one looks cautiousand good "Kas says eagerly. "You have to wait till I say Accept or Reject. This one's not mylist", replies Ash.After some time, another set of passing lights shows up, this time, the lights moving reallyfast and recklessly, "Accept or Reject", Ash asks loud and clear. "Reject, reject", yells Kas."Really dangerous driver!" . Ash shrugs and the lights go by quickly. About half an hour later,Kas has used the reject option thrice more under various excuses. After the fourth reject,Ash tells him sternly "Do you want to remain as Kas?. If so, we can go home". Kas asksmeekly, "Can we use do this some other day?". I'm afraid not, "Ash shakes his headregretfully. "If you don't choose to do this, you will stay as Kas. Also, I won't be able to staywith you anymore as you already know I am not human". Ash looks down as some passinglights come into view. As they watch, the passing lights stop in the middle of the roadwithout moving ahead. "May be engine trouble?". Kas says trying to peer and see if he cansee anything in the darkness. Ash looks at the lights thoughtfully "Passing or not, theselights are in my list. Accept or Reject Kas"?. Kas still staring at the unmoving lights in themiddle of the road impulsively replies. "It's a sign. I accept".

Kas

There is no sound from Ash and he repeats "I said I accept". There is still no reply and as heturns around, he sees that Ash is not next to him anymore. "Ash, Ash, where are you?" heyells. There is no sign of Ash anywhere. He is all alone in the darkness on the hill. He startspanicking and starts walking towards their campsite. As he half walks, half runs, he stumblesand falls. Before he knows it, he is lying in the dirt, looking up at the sky. The sky seems starkand starless. He closes his eyes, suddenly feeling very drowsy.