Sweenett

Mr Todd

"Times is hard you know sir" she says. The way she is speaking is incredibly speedy, manic even. Her eyes widening a little as she threw the emphasis into meaningless words constantly. I looked close. Admiring her chiseled cheekbones. Now highly visible due to lack of hydration and digestion.

I don't particularly enjoy the sight in front of me, as lovely a women Nellie is. She has changed. Her voice was so soft and flowing. Small giggles in-between words. Her eyes so bright and colourful. Her cheekbones use to be still very visible, but not as much. Not so sharp.

She asks my for a drop of ale and I nod my head rapidly. Not able to look at my past co-worker. She sighs. And shakes her bony head. Her skin staying in perfect motion with her bones. No wobbly parts like usual.

Grabbing a bottle of liquor, she stood a little. wavering in my direction. I signalled to her that she was welcome in my presence. She looked into my eyes, her head tilted. after a while she knelt down on her toes. She looked down at my hand a little, lingering, and took hold of it. Startled I began to panic. How did she know it was me. Was I so similar?

She looked up into my eyes. The flesh lining her bottom eyelid moistening. My head lowered, trying my best to express a stern glare. It seemed the longer I looked into her longing, saddened eyes my mind wondered. What had happened to my poor friend. Why was she breaking down in front of me. Why wasn't I doing anything to cheer her up?

I leaned forward and her eyelids flickered. She closed her eyes tight and faced the ground. Her hair limp and colourless. Fantasies entered to and fro in my imagination. Making my eyes a little moist too. Then I remembered Lucy. I needed information from this women. Not passion.

I let my hand fall weak. Noticing this she un-entwined her fingers from mine pulling away. Shaking her head while still facing the floor she picked up the liquor she had grabbed from the counter, her other hand wiping under her eyes, her cheeks. Washing the past away, one thing I was admirable of. As I am incapable of that.