A Cold Winters Night

           

           

Slippery flakes drifted downward, glittering in the bright light of the harvest moon. The blackbird soared across the now darkened sky. Night had fallen only a few hours ago but in the heart of the fiery red head, it had seemed like ages. Small hands of a young woman gripped the railing of the balcony that she was not permitted to be on. Her breath turned an off shade of white as she exhaled, the molecules becoming nothing but a cloud of smoke as they faced off with the biting chill. What an oddity for her to be out of the doors of the asylum. What an oddity for the passionate soul to linger between the quiet walls themselves. She wrung her hands over and over, an action that had become close to second nature. Perhaps the constant stressing of her fingers would even be considered a nervous habit by onlookers in the streets, if only they could see her. If only she could just leave but that was far beyond her reach for her now. Just four more weeks to end her two year sentence in this prison of her own making. 'I asked for this' she reminded herself. 'I admitted myself here because I am crazy,' hints why she was having a debate with herself in her head.

A heavy sigh left her plump lips and footsteps could be heard falling behind her. "Blake. What are you doing out here?" The voice was soft and easily identifiable. Meredith was one of her case workers and controlled half the hospital. They always worried that Blake was going to lose her head again so they kept a close watch on her. "I turn away for five minutes and you're off running. Do you want to lengthen your stay here?" Blake laughed to herself. It amused her that they were all convinced she was okay. No, this was all an act. Inside her head was a scary place full of several different people with many different wants and voices pitching in. Her body felt like it was being ripped apart by the emotions inside of her all too mortal shell.

Blake ran a hand through her hair and was startled momentarily by the contrast set in place. Her skin was ice pale, reminding her that she didn't get sun like she used to do when she was sane. Just as she went to explain that she just needed air, her heart seemed to switch, her mentalities changing. She turned back, her smile trembling like the bottom of her clear blue eyes did when she was about to cry. Her lips were chapped so she licked them again like it would help.

"Come inside, it is freezing." The older lady said softly and that is when she remembered it was in fact 24 degrees outside-which she only knew because the news was the only channel they were allowed to watch at the plain white hospital. That and jeopardy but god knew no one wanted to watch that ancient game show. That waving smile stayed on her lips and she shook her head no. No she couldn't take it anymore. The different people within her fought to come through, specifically the one with the level head but that personality was thrown aside by a greater need. No this personality demanded to speak and was fighting for its place.

Blake sighed shakily and shook her head, still pulling and tugging on her hands. "No. I'm sorry I can't." She whispered. Rattled, Blake closed her eyes tight, a prayer coming to mind. The one her mother used to say when she was still with her. "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the l-lord my soul to keep." Her words were fumbled over and sounded as jumbled as the speaker felt. She hadn't uttered the prayer nor heard it in years so she'd forgotten those words. Perhaps that was good enough? The angels must have heard her desperate plea, for they were supposed to hear everything- at least that's what she hoped because she was soon to be one. Fear and rational thoughts plugged themselves into her brain but she didn't listen.

Blake's case worker looked a little scared but that didn't dampen her. The pleasant smelling lady walked over to grab her all the while screaming for the men in the white clothes to help her but it was too late. Blake easily pulled away.

The last words uttered by the brave young woman were "Angles can fly." And she jumped.