When The Golden Sky Fell

Chapter 6

The old world?  I suppose I never fully believed Grandmother's tales. But, if I'm correct, they're true! By now,  I'm getting more than a small crowd.  I've an audience!  

"Who are you? Well,  you ain't wanted 'ere!!" I hear a cry in a strange accent. 

"Where have you come from? You don't look like you're from these parts!" Another cry, a woman this time. 

"I..I don't know!" I say truthfully. "Where am I? " 

"I think she's a little simple" I hear whispers from the crowd. 

"This is London, dear" A kinder voice says. "What's your name?" 

"Penelope" I mumble. "I'm not from here. I don't really know what's going on. I was with my friend, but I lost him" 

"Well,  I've a spare bed for you tonight, if you need it" She smiles.  "Let's get you out of all the hustle and bustle,  shall we?" 

I follow her through the crowd and down a side lane, to a tower block almost like back home. We walk up four flights of stairs and she opens a door and let's me in side. There are two bedrooms,  a bathroom, kitchen and living room. I gasp.  The richest people in Greene have three rooms max. We have one, plus the lav outside! 

"I'm afraid it's not the grandest,  butility it serves us well" says the lady, misunderstanding my gawping.

"Oh, no, I... its complicated" I mumble,  not really wanting to tell my entire story to this stranger. "Well,  Miss..."

"Call me Lizzie" says Lizzie. "Now, tell me about yourself, Penelope?"

Uh oh.

"I..I was brought up in..an institution " Im not really sure what an institution is, bug I've read about them in books. It seems to work,  because she swiftly changes the subject.

"You're quite the talk of the town now." says Lizzie. "You just appeared in the middle of the street! No one saw you approach.  Will you tell me anything more? What happened to the friend you spoke of?" 

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I suppose I better  go and look for him" I stand up and walk to the door. 

"Well, if you find yourself in need of that bed and board,  you know where to find me." Calls Lizzie. "Stay safe out there!" 

I regret leaving the warmth of her flat the moment I reach the street. I focus on searching, and try to ignore the stares from the people. Another thing distinguishing me from these curious people is my clothes.  I am wearing the same grey dress I am forced to wear every day of my of my life, same as all the girls I ever see at home, but these people wear extraordinary colours snc styles. This street an its occupants are the most colour I have ever seen! I see yellows,  red, green,  blue, rainbow! 

"Seph! " I shout. I suddenly feel something pulling me upwards, strongly. It's like falling upwards, if that's possible. 

"Yes?" That familiar voice says next to me. Oh, I have longed to hear that voice for what feels like forever, though it's only been an hour or two.