Nightshade

Carmen

     April 19th, 2017
     

     Arthur didn't get out of bed today.

     He isn't even that tired, so that's not the reason...       
     ...It's just something about the way he feels. Sleep is the only time when one is whole and complete. The minute the day begins, there is a separation from what one really is part of.
     Plus, he's had the feeling that Carmen has been coming to his bedroom window while he is gone each day, and this time he wants to be there when she does.
     Continuing to lie in bed, Arthur rolls over and grabs his phone. He checks his messages and social media quickly, then closes his eyes and drifts off again for a time.
     Shortly, however, his mother yells at him that they are leaving, and he replies that he is sick. "well... alright," she says, not really believing him, "we'll both be back at the usual time honey."
     "Okay," he says, trying to fake a sick voice.
     He hears his family leave.
....................................................................................
     The hours fly by, and eventually, the boy looks up to see the cat balanced on the window sill, once again.
     "Good afternoon," she says to him without speaking. Arthur still doesn't know how he can hear her.
     She leaps down onto the bed, and the boy says, "I honestly... miss you all the time..."
     The cat blinks slowly, in a response of agreement.
     There is a long pause, but she then asks him, "how long can I stay here... I mean... until your family returns?" 

     Startled, he looks over at his analog clock.
     "Only two hours," he replies sadly, "I wish I could leave with you, my Carmen."
     In the gentle glare of the orange lamplight, a single tear falls from the cat's eye, and lands on the soft sheet. Arthur holds her closer still. He says, "I don't know where you're from or what you're part of... you're a mystery." 

     She answers; "I'm trapped in something that I don't want to be a part of, and I'm on the run from it, and I don't know what will happen if they find my family and I again." 

     They talk for a long time, and Arthur is startled when he hears the door opening in the other room.
      She leaves as quickly as possible. Arthur doesn't understand who "they" are that she refers to and he wonders about it that night.

     He is alone once again.
........................................................................................
     Later...
     Arthur is still keeping himself isolated, but now he's drowning everything out by playing his music loud, and working out in his bedroom. He still has to be quiet though, because he is supposed to be "sick."