Mosaic

Chapter 1 .:. Hiraeth

Hiraeth
(n.) a homesickness for a home you can't return to, or that never was

Boxes were scattered about the room, taking up most of the floor space and demanding to be unpacked. Brook knew she should get started, but as she stood in the center of the white-walled room, the only thing she wished to do was sleep. There was so much to do. She gingerly sat on the bed—it still needed fresh sheets—and tried to figure out where to start.

"Brook, I left a box in the car," her mother's voice called from downstairs, echoing oddly throughout the empty house. "Can you bring it in?"

With a heavy sigh, Brook forced herself to her feet and made her way downstairs. It still felt weird to come down and see a different house. More than ever, Brook missed the familiar comfort of her old home. This new one felt so empty and foreign.

She poked her head into what she hoped was the kitchen.

Her mother was putting plates away in the cabinets above the counter. She glanced over her shoulder briefly before turning her attention back to the dishes. "The car should be unlocked."

Brook hummed in response: grateful she wouldn't have to search the abyss that was her mother's purse to find the keys.

She headed out the front door and after a moment's hesitation, left it open so she wouldn't have to struggle opening it on her way back. She paused on the porch and studied the street. It was much nicer than her old one with its newly paved road. Large liquid amber trees were lined up neatly on every lawn and since there were no sidewalks, it made the street look like an alameda.

Brook made her way across the very green lawn to reach her mom's white SUV. She opened the trunk and immediately spotted the remaining box. She pulled it closer before picking it up. "Crap," she muttered, staggering backwards. Her arms screamed in protest. She clumsily let the box fall to the floor with a thump.

Brook stared down at the box, wishing that will alone could make it magically float its way inside. There was no way she'd be able to carry it; dragging it seemed like the only suitable option. A picture of her mother admonishing her for being so careless flashed behind her eyes. Brook winced and quickly abandoned the idea. She didn't want any conflicts with her mother, especially after the divorce.

Something flickered in the corner of her vision. Brook turned to see a silver dog racing past, tail streaming out behind it and tongue lolling as it picked up speed.

Without thinking, Brook took off after it. Suddenly, she was grateful for all the times her brother made her go running with him. Farther down the street, she caught sight of the dog. It was sniffing vigorously at the base of a tree. Brook slowed, not wanting to scare it. As she drew near, she recognized the dog as a silver husky.

The husky decided it had had enough of the scents around the tree and once again, dashed off, heading straight towards the main street.

Panic seized at her chest and brought along disturbing thoughts of the dog running to its doom on the busy road. She forced her feet to carry her faster. Cars rushed past up ahead, rumbling loudly the closer she ran. The dog's fluffy silver tail was so close, if only Brook were faster.

The dog darted out onto the street without hesitation. Brook's heart jumped to her throat and she followed. As if realizing its mistake, the husky froze in the middle of the road. It cowered, eyes wide and ears pinned flat against its skull as it watched the car that was zooming towards it.

"Stop! Stop!" Brook screamed, leaping forward to stand between the dog and the oncoming car. She thrust her arms out in front of her.

Brakes squealed loudly, piercing the air and ringing in her ears. Several cars honked angrily. Then all was silent, except for the pounding of her heart.