When a Moon Gleams

70 18 15
                                    

It is said that even the purest souls do sometimes linger; not by choice, but for a noble purpose only they can fulfill.

Jessica didn't realise this until she had found herself gliding effortlessly from one peculiar world to another. She passed chocolate rivers, cotton candy clouds and lollipop forests. Then came pumpkin carriages, red-haired princesses and dancing pixies. Then came splendid suns, clear skies and joyous birds. Then, without a warning, came a veil of darkness, filling the air with the suffocating odour of utter desolation and crushing every hope with its merciless grip.

In this place, Jessica's footsteps became heavy and slow as if she was treading in mud. She couldn't make out anything but a few shapes lurking at both sides of the seemingly endless road. The wind began to howl, threatening her to retreat, but the girl's determination was like a blaze of fire, stolen by Prometheus to illuminate the dark paths for all mankind - to make them feel safe.

Jessica continued to walk, tempted beyond words by the gloom of this land, for it was unlike anything she had seen before. At the corner of her eyes danced an ominous picture of men with no features trying to claw at her with their knife-like nails. However, an invisible barrier seemed to protect Jessica from their desperate attempts, and every heartbeat urged her forward towards her destination, which was nearer than she thought.

And then she saw him. A young boy, not so much older than herself was whimpering on the ground, face hidden behind the palms of his quivering hands. Jessica's pity rose and drove her in the direction of her peer. She summoned up a bright smile on her way, and with a most reassuring tone said, "It's okay, they won't hurt you."

The boy lowered his hands and looked up at her. His face was tear-stained, and it was astonishing how every detail of his visage was visible despite the absence of light. There came from his mouth no response whatsoever, so Jessica said, "Just look at them."

The boy turned his head to the men surrounding him, and as though the moon had just awoken from a long slumber (and as if the moon ever sleeps), a faint ray was cast upon them, revealing what the boy precisely had to see. The men, fearsome and harrowing as their appearance was, could not move an inch away from their spots. Their feet penetrated the soil beneath them like roots of ancient trees, and henceforth made them harmless as long as Jessica and the boy weren't within their reach.

"See?" grinned Jessica. "Told you they won't hurt you."

The boy merely nodded.

"So what's your name?" Jessica sat opposite him and observed his face with immense interest.

"Alex," replied the boy. Then after a pause he said, "What about you?"

"Jessica."

"It's nice to meet you, Jessica," said Alex, extending his hand for her to shake. But the invisible barrier, which had previously been a shield against the men, didn't allow him to touch her.

"This is strange," Alex muttered. "Why can't I..."

Jessica merely let out a chuckle.

"Why can't I touch you?" Alex inquired.

"Who knows? But it's nice to meet you, too," said Jessica, either ignoring or unaware of the boy's evident bewilderment. "Hope you feel okay now."

"I do," Alex answered. "Thanks to you."

"No, I did nothing," Jessica gave a casual wave of her hand.

"No, you did everything," returned the boy.

"Well, if you insist," Jessica giggled, tilting her head a little. Then with an abrupt change in countenance, from cheerful to serious, she rose to her feet. "Sorry but I have to go now."

When a Moon GleamsWhere stories live. Discover now