Startling Starlight - Short Stories

03 | Memories

"TOSS it."

"Maybe I will..."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

I looked at him. We were alone. Just the two of us. He was staring mindlessly at the olive green water, and I was staring into his big, black eyes. Blankly. It was magical.

A lone coin stood silently at the centre of his palm, with the arm resting on the stony threshold of the wishing well he was so adamant on visiting.

UVA wasn't exactly the kind of college that let you off the leash to visit deserted places like these--- but Mike had a daunting fascination with skipping classes. And I, had a habit to accompany him in his adventurous exploits. Only this time, it was kinda... romantic?

"Hell-oooo? Earth to Cass?"

I jumped. I swear if it weren't for my reflexes I would've tripped inside. Perhaps I should daydream less often.

I turned to look at him.

"God, Cassandra Jones--- if you aren't tossing this thing down; I am", he smirked. I snatched the coin playfully. I didn't blame him. I wasn't exactly the Mary-Jane kind.

"Why do you even believe the wishes work, huh?", I quipped.

"I just do, I mean... look at you."

"Uh-huh."

The touch of copper was cold against my fingers. I could sense him standing just beside me. Light breeze fluttered through the cherry blossom trees. And as the flow of the sun melted again the pink petals of the cherry blossom. I closed my eyes. Lifting the coin to my lips, I tossed the coin in the bubbling water beneath.

I knew he was right there, flashing his I-know-what-you-wished-for smile. Memories.

✴✴✴

"Um, earth to Mom?"
I jumped again.

"Ah! Zoe! God--- you scared me!"
I had barely uttered those words as the feeling of slipping China startled me. Dishwashing was truly the worst job in the world.

"Mom! Careful!"

She steadied me as I gazed into her black eyes, concern flooding her face... and I let a breath out I didn't know I was holding. We sigh collectively.

"Look, whatever it is... stop thinking about it," she said, keeping a straight face, "It hurts."

I pause to think how I might be tearing down the childhood of my ten year old. But a sudden squeal broke my musings.

"Anyway! I'm starving!"
She grabs an apple from the basket sitting on the dining table for three.

A glare at her. She looked at me, clearly confused, probably imagining literal flames coming outta my eyes. And a second later, realisation crosses her face.

"Right, right, right--- 'Zoe, wash your stupid dirty germy hands!', yeah, know the drill "

As she runs away to wash her 'dirty germy' hands, I wondered if now would be a good time to kill the elephant in the room.

✴✴✴

Sitting by the lawn, with evening sun setting off in the horizon. The marble bench felt cold against my legs. I watched the slant sunrays bouncing off the well's tinshed.