Chapter one
I walked alone in life, with no one but a bloodied family. My home town, Paris, was falling to ruins. Buildings were crashing down upon her streets, cars were destroyed, dead bodies laying in the streets. Paris' beauty was gone forever. I lived in small neighborhood. The only children were not my age, and the ones that were close were tormented souls of an unforgotten life they had long ago, before Paris was invaded. I remember those times, when life was full of happiness, and joy. Screaming children in the streets playing with toys, and being filled with laughter. Oh, how I wish those days could come back! Now, our people are hungry, killed, bruised, sad, hopeless. Children wear ratted clothes, the old do not see the sun, and they long for a glimpse. Our people are not our people anymore.
I walked those very streets, noticing the usual. Dead laying, tears, blood, dust, smoke, and fire. I think I may have taken for granted what my life held before they invaded my home. I think we all did. Did we see ourselves? How much we didn't appreciate before this, and how much we would miss it when it was gone? The community now is beyond forgotten. We fight to survive, and we die to live a happier life with what some of us believe is after this hell. I see the children, barely clothed, and hungry. Their eyes filled with fear as I walk past. They fear its their time to be taken from the homes, families, and friends. The old, do not come out. They stay hidden, away from a view so horrid from what their home once was.
I walk between where Mr. Gusta's shop and where Mrs. violets flower shop used to be. The whole neighborhood knew they had a love affair. But they are now gone to, along with homes.
I saw a little girl, about the age of five, along the side of the half torn down building. Her feet were dirty, her long brown hair tangled, and her green eyes so wet.
“Hey there...” I said in a soft whisper, trying not to frighten her. “I'm not going hurt you.” I said reassuringly.
She flinched as I knelt beside her. She wore a little white t-shirt, with only panties underneath. Her legs were bear, and so were her feet. I knelt to her height, and pulled out a comb.
“My grandmother gave me this comb, before she passed away.” I told her as I combed her hair. “I always keep it with me, to let me know shes always with me.” I said so gently.
Her eyes sparkled up at me, with such kindness, that I've ever seen a child’s face bare. 'Shes been through a lot,' I thought to myself.
After I finished brushing out the tangles in her hair, I wiped away her eyes.
“You are beautiful,” I told her. I took off my long knee high socks, my last pair.
“Here, you take these,” I said to her. “Always wear them to keep your legs warm, and your feet clean.” I told her as I handed her the socks. Tears came to my eyes as she put them on. They were just big enough to cover her legs and feet.
“Thank you.” She said with wide eyes.
“Your welcome.” I told her. She ran off into a crowd of children, showing off her knew look. The little boys stared and complimented her. I got up from my position, and looked back to see the little girl smiling so big at me. I smiled an even bigger one back, and continued to walk home. How could our home come to this?
