remedy - pjm

d - 1 ; remedy

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the muted tones of the dull sky mirrored her solemn expression as the girl's red converse collided against the concrete floor. with every step she took, the sound of her stepping lingered in the atmosphere ever so faintly.

clouds invaded the sky as the sun was nowhere to be seen, obscured by the parade of grey. it didn't take a weather reporter to predict that a downpour was on the way. her pace seemed to speed up as she noticed the sad sky.

within a few minutes, she had arrived at her destination. a rather occupied convenience store located in the centre of the location. as the automated voice signalled her arrival, her coworker sighed in relief as he waved the girl over, thankful it was the end of his shift.

the noise of items being scanned echoing in the store as customers flooded in and gradually left. some looking for a light snack to indulge in whilst others a beverage to sip on or even shelter from the chilled bitter air of early october and raging rain outside. 

as time went on and hours passed, the store grew desolate and the girl was left lonesome with not a single soul to spend time with. she felt a twinge of anxiety bite away at her mind and an agonising pain engulfs her heart.

her legs numb and weak like noodles as she struggled to stay conscious, unable to balance or grab onto something for support. it was happening once more, one of her panic attacks. when rain was all that could be heard and she was alone, the antagonising and horrid memories of being dragged across the ground trapped her. 

the fragile girl wanted nothing more than to just take all of this excruciating pain and memories that tormented her, every single second. each moment felt like she'd just climbed a mountain because of her haunting past.

gathering the scarce amount of energy left in her drained body, — which was dangerously low for any living creature — she slipped out of the counter and trembled towards the glass door. just as she felt the single bit of hope crumble away, it was as if an angel had appeared for she collapsed into the arms of another.

this angel exuded the scent of a warm mug of hot cocoa and a delicate flower as he held her in his embrace. a moment of serendipity.

it wasn't until she felt the warm tears flooding down her cheeks that she noticed how pathetic she looked. leaning onto someone for support and resembling a complete mess.

"i'm sorry.."

the other remained silent as he cautiously guided her to a seat, concluding that what would be best for the two was if she had rest and he did his best to try and assist someone who looked so helpless.

"you know, there's no reason for you to apologise. things like this happen and we can't stop them from doing so. i myself know that very well." his smile a radiant star and glimmer of promise as he spoke softly and handed her a bottle of water.

her expression faltered at his wise words. what could he possibly have meant by knowing it very well? wanting to shake away these polluting thoughts, she twisted the bottle cap, grunting at its defiance to open. 

a hearty chuckle escaped his lips as the boy took the bottle from her hands and successfully opened with one swift turn. she stared at him in amazement and gulped the liquid down like a drink.

he removed the water from her clutch once more, sighing, "i know you must be parched but it's not very good to chug all that and so quickly."

"i'm aware." she nods in understanding

"is there anyone else around apart from us?" he asked in concern.

the woman shook her head, rather curious as to why he'd ask that. a suspicious question that had her eyebrows furrow and nose scrunch.

"..what's with the look? i'm asking because i'm troubled. if anything were to happen to you, no one would be around to help." he frowned.

she inhaled a burdened sigh at the appearance of his wise words, "you shouldn't be. i'll be alright and you shouldn't worry too much about a mere stranger as well."

"stranger or not, i won't let anyone be harmed. so, i'll stay here."

whether it was even utterly possible, she might've choked on her own spit at his bold and heroic statement. and after a minute of thought, she arose from the stool and went to go stand at her spot.

"isn't this job of yours rather boring? standing here all day..."

"unfortunately, jobs are sparse and can't exactly be chosen if you lack education and any luck," she remarked dryly.

he hummed in agreement and soon a veil of tranquillity fell upon the store as she remained at her post. the curtain of night minutes away from descending as the last consumer exited the quaint little corner store. finally, her shift had come to a halt. 

somehow, she felt alright despite being alone. although she wasn't sure if she was exactly alone, the girl hadn't witnessed that kind man take his leave but she assumed he did.

"is it closing time already?" enquired an obnoxiously loud man as he made an entrance. wandering eyes landing on the likes of her as she shivered.

the man excreted a dubious aura as he picked up a bottle of beer and headed straight towards the counter, with more than likely other motives that weren't only to purchase the bottle of booze. 

"babe, are we ready to close up?" his voice was a breath of fresh air, comforting and dear. the angel that had saved her was back at it again as he waltzed to her, enveloping her in his mellow fragrance.

the pair witnessed the man not-so-discreetly curse under his breath as he handed a bill and exited the shop in a hurry and embarrassment.

they laughed softly at the situation as the boy grinned, "your saviour is back at it again."

"thanks."

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