A strange squeaking sound filled my eardrums, causing me to stir in my sleep. I twitched, a lazy groan emitting from my throat. For a minute, the sound subsided, but suddenly intensified in volume.
"Stop it," I grumbled, throwing my arm out in attempt to seize the noise.
Was it my alarm? Some bird outside? A...burglar?
Just as the thought crossed my mind, my eyes flew open and my body jerked to the side. Unfortunately for me, I was extremely close to the edge of the bed, and I tumbled to the floor in the least graceful manner. In the midst of my pain, I soon realized it was not a burglar, but someone far more difficult to handle—Winter.
"You alright there?" He raised his eyebrow and stifled a small laugh.
"What are you doing?" I asked hoarsely.
"You weren't waking up so I had to do something," Winter held up a music box, a pitchy melody playing as a small ballerina spun in the middle. He was about to turn the key again but I jumped up instantly, stopping him.
"I'm up! I'm up!" I exclaimed with a nervous laugh, turning to the window. My mom should be gone by now, but my cranky neighbors would not be thrilled for the free music. In fact, I would get into bigger trouble for noise disturbance.
I sighed and checked the time. "Oh no!" I almost dropped my phone from the shock. "I'm going to be late!"
For a moment, I was ready to leap up from the floor and sprint to the bathroom, when I remembered a very, extremely important detail: I was fired.
"Gahhhh..." I covered my face with one hand, filled with mortification. I've spent many months of working there, only to be fired over the smallest error.
I jolted as my cell phone buzzed. A text from Lindy.
Where r u?? Being late 2 days in a row won't let keep ur job!! Lol
I looked at the words sadly before typing a reply.
No need. Tatiana fired me yesterday.
WHAT?! NO WAY! :o
Yes way :(
I'm talking to her about this!! I got u so don't u worry, girl! ;)
Lindy, it's ok!! REALLY. What if u get her mad?! I don't want u to get fired too!!
I waited for 5 minutes, but there was still no reply from her, and I groaned. There was no changing Lindy's mind once she decided. Sighing, I raised my head to peer at Winter, who was watching me with a peculiar expression.
"Winter, what should we do?" I mumbled.
He strode up to me, a grin tugging at his lip as if he's been waiting for this moment the whole time. "I have an idea, " he said. "Let's go to the sea."
**************
Why did I agree to this? I stood, shivering, as the icy ocean waves crashed on the shore and retreated. as expected, the beach was completely isolated.
At first, I didn't think properly and said yes upon seeing his hopeful face. Now, the regret was beginning to grow stronger. I underestimated the amount of time it took to walk here from my house. In broad daylight, I couldn't ask Winter to lift me up and fly across the sky like last night. In my desperation, I almost asked, but bit my lip as I thought about the consequences. Now, with fatigued and freezing feet, we finally made it.
"Why did you want to come here, Winter?" I asked, teeth chattering.
"Because I've never seen this," he replied innocently.
"Never?"
"Only from above."
We walked towards the ocean, the particles of sand intertwined with melting snowflakes and ice. The chill from the wind penetrated into my skin, but I dared not complain as I watched Winter. Like a child opening their first Christmas gift, he watched the waves lapping with brightly lit eyes. The warmth of his expression affected me, causing a smile to tug at my lips.
"So how is it? Your first time seeing the ocean." I grinned.
"It's beautiful," he answers softly.
We stood in silence as he continued taking in the sight before him. The quiet was serene and calming, and I closed my eyes, sighing to myself.
"The sea looks like it goes on forever," Winter suddenly remarked.
I opened my eyes. "No, it ends. I mean, I used to think both the sea and the sky goes on forever too. But it doesn't, because apparently, now that I've met you, heaven exists." I chuckled and kicked the sand a little. "What's heaven like, anyway?"
"It's not too different from the human world, with some exceptions. It's more peaceful. No wars, no pain. We get to spread our wings and fly freely. There are clouds and gardens that go for miles."
"Sounds way better than here," I muttered.
"It's not," said Winter.
"Why?"
"Because there are no oceans, no coffee...or you."
I am speechless as he gazed at me with a tender expression. I flushed, and turned my eyes somewhere else.
"No, I'm sure it's better. It's the ideal place, isn't it?" I murmured. "Hey, this may be a stupid question but...have you seen my dad there?"
Winter smiled reassuringly. "I think so. Probably."
I bit my lip and turned away slightly as tears welled in my eyes. I held my breath and wiped a brief tear away.
"Y-you better not be lying to me," I tried to speak in a light, playful tone, but the crack in my voice betrayed me. Thankfully, Winter pretended not to notice.
"If I am, will you threaten me with your karate skills again?" he asked teasingly.
"Definitely!" I exclaimed, waving my fist in the air.
Winter simply chuckled and glanced back at the sea. There was a new resolve on his face now, one that wasn't there earlier today. "It's almost time." He spoke clearly, gently.
My face dropped at his words. We both knew that it was inevitable and out of our control, so I attempted to put on a mask to cover my real feelings.
"Let's go." I said. "Back to where we first met."
YOU ARE READING
Into Your World
Povídky"Where are you from?" "It's a secret." Sometimes, you don't know what an impact someone will have on you until they walk into your world and change everything you know. One snowy day, I watched as he materialized in front of me. He was alluring, pur...
