NOTUM: Study Of A Nightwalker ✔️

Snarl

Firenze wrapped the coat tighter around himself and sat down on the wooden bench near the factory, waiting for the cab to arrive. The cop stood not far away from him, presently engrossed in a small vial of rum. Neil had told them to wait for him, and he was still inside, calling his family and catching his breath.

His stomach had growled at him in protest when he ate an apple a few minutes ago.

The moonlight bathed Helga in a white aura, hair a raging wildfire in the whipping wind. Her moss green eyes pierced his suddenly, a tingling warmth filled him, starting from his cheeks and spreading through his body.

Firenze realized that he had been ogling at her for a long time and managed to lower his gaze, feigning interest in his battered shoes. He wondered why he was such a sissy; any man would've just walked to her confidently and worded his thoughts.

Women are not mere decorations to be admired! You have successfully made her feel uncomfortable, you misogynistic jerk. Great job, way to ruin your life!

The clearing of a throat made him lift his eyes. He jolted up and acknowledged it, his black eyes meeting hers.

"Oh hey, Helga!"

She smiled warmly. Her smile could've lit up the entire city of Nürnberg like it was Christmas.

She sat down at a comfortable distance from him.

"Hey."

"Candlelight."

"I'm sorry?"

"Uh, I was just reminding myself to bring some candles home, hehe," he said rubbing his neck.

She laughed.

"Oh! I prefer beeswax to petroleum derived ones. They smell better."

"I don't know much about candles, to be honest. I did like the lavender scented ones you get here."

"You've checked out the local candles? But we just got here in the morning."

"I'm pretty quick, I guess," He lied.

"How do you like Rasüte so far?"

Firenze took a moment to think. The country air was cool and dust-free. The trees danced and swayed in the breeze, showering their blossoms like confetti. The jasmine vines wound around the antique lamp-posts. Little white, star-shaped flowers tried to catch moths with their heavenly fragrance.

Rasüte did feel like a paradise on earth.

But.

"Maybe. I'm not quite sure, with all the incidents."

"I understand. That's why we moved to Nürnberg. . . my family. A lot many peculiar incidents happened to them while their stay here. Including me, apparently. "

"You?"

Helga straightened up and said,

"Found me at their doorstep here during a thunderstorm. Never quite fit in with them. I hated this place all the while, its people, fauna, even the flowers. Found peace when I moved out. Yet, here I am. . ."

"Fate is a twisted backstabber, eh?"

It wasn't long before their breaths mingled and laughter united in the night air. They chatted and chatted, until seconds turned into minutes and into hours. He stole a quick glance at his watch, and saw the hour hand on twelve.

Getting up, he asked, "Helga, did Neil come back?"

Her eyebrows scrunched together in doubt. She stood up and proceeded to ask the cop, who was way too tipsy to answer her queries, staring into the bushes. Hissing with frustration, Firenze strode into the factory gates, flashlight in his hands. Much to his dismay, the area seemed to be devoid of Neil; it seemed to be devoid of any signs of life. He called out his name, heart thudding in fear of the worst.