JULIAN'S P.O.V
He's the color of flour and adorns ears that flop in the chilly Autumn wind. Jesus Christ, am I meeting one of those 'wacky' characters that I created when I was thirteen? His eyes are locked with mine, and all I see is pure fear overshadowing his face. Rushing back into the living room, I tippity-tap the numbers on my phone and call Chris.
" I don't know what to do. You have to come see this. "
" Fuck, Julian, it's one in the morning. Is this really a good time to wake someone up?"
" There's some sort of creature outside in my yard! Do you think I can just walk over to it and say 'hi'?"
" That's a very hilarious and unique joke, but please let me get back to sleep."
" Chris."
" Okay, okay, I'll come over for the entertainment."
Chris comes into my gravel driveway to see the exact same thing I'm seeing. He flinches for a second and comes towards the creature. At first he is stricken by silence.
" ...do you speak English? Eng-lish. "
The martian finally responds.
" I-I think I do? Please, I'm not here to harm anyone or anything, I just want to-"
As they carefully continue their conversation, I go into my bedroom and find a blanket. A cotton one sprinkled with stars catches my eye. It's time to start off from where I left, so I go outside.
" Hi, my name is Julian. Do you remember what yours is? "
" Ding Dong. "
" Take this blanket. You'll want it. "
He wraps himself up in the blanket and nudges his head against it like a feline. Something is telling me that things will be okay.
YOU ARE READING
As Years Go By
FanfictionDing Dong and Julian both know it has taken years to get to this exact point. The landmarks of each time in their lives are implanted in their brains.
