Snippets of Light

By the Lake

She gazed across the lake, watching the two boys mope away with their tin buckets and rods. Standing up from her crouching position, her mind held an internal debate. Should she, or shouldn't she dash around the water to walk alongside the boys. This debate lasted too long. Silhouettes faded into the trees. She sighed deeply. This was going to take some getting used to.

A soft breeze fluttered through the ranches behind her. She curled her pale form into a tight ball to resist it. The wind danced across her exposed back and leapt across the lake. Uncurling with relief, the girl stretched her hands in the direction of the draught. Her long fingernails drifted slightly at the tips and she shuddered.

Another silhouette appeared at the edge of the lake. The girl ducked back behind a bush and watched as the boy returned to the edge of the jetty and fixed his eyes upon the water.

"If you can hear me," he called as the other boy appeared beside him, "I just want you to know that I really miss you. We both do."

The girl stiffened as she realised he was talking to her.

"Please, just..." he trailed off as sobs kicked in.

"Just know we miss you," the other boy finished, comforting his friend.

They sat there in silence for a while, just staring into the trees.

As they eventually stood to leave, the first one turned back. His gazed drifted to her hiding spot and the debate was won.

Slowly, as the boys reached the shore, she rose. Bare feet skidded across the smooth leaves below her and she called out.

"Wait."

The boys turned.

Face full of shock, the first one ran to where she landed on the jetty. He looked into her grey eyes and started. He reached for her hand but it turned to wisps at his touch. She nodded in confirmation. His face fell and he strode to the edge of the jetty. And leapt.

The other boy dashed past in horror and watched the ripples until they disappeared. Several minutes later, a pale figure emerged and floated across to her. He smiled.

He reached for her hand again and grasped it. She winced at the touch but held him firmly. They then drifted across the water. The pink sky illuminated the pair's silver glow as they disappeared over the forest.