Colour Me Red

Chapter 9

Will laid there silently on the couch, the rise and fall of his chest equally spread out. I liked to believe I had seen him so peaceful before, but I don't think I had. His features were soft and calm, his eyelids fluttering. I walked over to him and pulled the blanket up so he was properly tucked in, then I walked out of the living room into the dining room silently pulling out a chair from the table and sitting by the fire.

I watched the flames as they licked the wood and danced against the glass. I found myself getting lost in the bright orange glow, the beauty of the reds and oranges mixing together, it just looked so lovely. The heat from the fire jumped from the stove onto my skin, bringing a comfortable warmth to me as I sat there. I eventually turned my gaze to the window, then sucked in a breath at the sheer beauty I was seeing. Colors in the sky danced just like the fire in the stove, but these flames were greens and blues.

I got up and ran over to the window, pressing my hands against the glass staring up in the sky.

"Northern lights" I whispered, my breath fogging up the glass so I couldn't see anymore. I quickly swiped my hand across the fog so I could see, not able to tear my gaze away from the sky. The colors were too beautiful against the dark black of the night sky, the only other source of light coming from the shining stars.

I realized that I had never stopped to appreciate the little things in life like I was in that moment. Staring at the sky I was filled with joy I had no idea existed. My face broke into a grin as I turned and ran out the front door running into the snow. My bare feet screamed in protest as the snow clung to them, but it quickly melted away and then I wasn't so cold anymore. I leaned my head back and stared up at the sky, the colors dancing directly above. I felt completely free as I began to dance under the stars and lights, my body moving to its own music. I realized how crazy I must have looked standing there in my loose shorts, baggy sweatshirt and bare feet, dancing around the middle of Will's yard in late January. But I wasn't cold, in fact I felt like fire, I was feeding off of the oxygen around me, embracing the crisp winter smell that filled my chest. I reached my hands above my head and twirled, sparks jumping from my finger tips almost like sparklers. My hair swirled around me, and finally I fell back into the snow, warmth from my body melting it until I was laying on the dead grass, staring up at the sky. I felt blissful not worrying about anything. I refused to let my mind wander away from the scene above me because I knew if I did, I would be mad at myself for showing that much emotion so openly.

The sun eventually came up so I eventually went back inside. Will was still curled up on the couch when I checked on him so I sighed, suddenly extremely tired. I then remember I hadn't slept in a very long time. So I curled up on the love seat in the living room and closed my eyes, ignoring the wet clothes clinging to my body as I feel into a deep sleep.

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The sun streamed in through the window, a golden haze filling the room. I let out a groan as I sat up, running my fingers through my tangled hair. I opened my mouth to say something, but a yawn replaced it and my body stretched itself out naturally. I felt like I was floating, but that was until I heard someone clear their throat causing me to lazily turn my head, my happy eyes meeting Will's glare. I shrank back into the couch, the happiness pouring out of me in one exhale. He looked so angry, tired, maybe even a little betrayed, but most of all he looked kind of... disappointed? I had always been able to read Will so well, but he wore this mask that covered his emotions. I wanted to turn away, or run away. I closed my eyes, pretending he wasn't standing there in front of me with his arms crossed waiting for my pathetic excuse. I wanted to speak, but my mouth was dry and my throat constricted, trapping the words inside. I wanted to apologize for making him worry, to assure him everything was all right. That I didn't mean to screw up so bad, I just got scared and ran away just like always. I felt his presence around me, I knew he was stepping closer to me and I couldn't help but flinch back when he touched my shoulder,