A World In The Woods

Sing Me A Song 《11》

I did not recognise the song he played but when he started playing, witnessed him transport to a whole other world. The melody was beautiful and I could physically feel the passion.

I watched as his fingers struck the strings and new sounds came. I don't think he even remembered I was there anymore.
He was humming softly, which I found adorable.

He finished playing and just stared at the guitar, until I had to break the silence, "That was breathtakingly beautiful." I grew warm inside when I saw a small smile creeping onto his face.

"It's been a while. " He said, setting the guitar down besides him. "Aren't you just mister modest man." I cooed and beamed when the familiar eye rolling was seen on his face.

But he remained silent until, "I can paint." I said. He scoffed, "Who the sh** didn't see that coming." I visibly winced at his curses, "Sorry." he said, "You don't take cursing too well, do you." I shook my head.

"But what was that reaction to my comment on painting?"
"I just assumed that's how you ended up here right? You were painting in the woods and got lost in the storm?"

"Uhm. Not exactly. " he cocked his head to the side, "Well if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up here?" I kept quiet for a while and contemplated telling a lie since the truth was pretty pathetic.

"My family was camping nearby and Weirdos kinda freaked out over something in the woods and he ran after it and so I ran after him... hey, what's that face you're pulling?"

Clayton had his hand pinching the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath, "Because... Weirdos over here, " he said, indicating the dog with his head, "Must have seen me. "

"Come again. " I said, not believing what I was hearing. "You heard me. " he answered, "I remember seeing your family running and I think it was your brother with the dog. "

I nodded in confirmation, "You really were there. " I said in disbelief. It was his turn to nod. "Why? " A deep frown formed on his face, "I don't want to talk about it. " he said coldly and I knew the conversation was over.

"I wish I could paint again. But I know it's wishful thinking to believe you have art supplies here. "
"Not unless you want to paint in purple. " Clayton said. "What? " I asked.

He indicated with his head towards a food cupboard, "I don't paint often, but I do like to doodle to avoid boredom. So I learned this little trick. " He took out a bowl and some beetroot and began to squash it into a bowl.

Suddenly he stopped and looked sheepish, "I just remember I used up the slates. I don't have anything for you to draw on. " I took a quick look around the room, "Maybe you do. Keep mixing, don't worry about me. "

By the time he was finished in was all set. Without a word, I placed two fingers into the bowl and began making a trace of beetroot juice across the cabin wall. I paused for a second, waiting to hear any sound of protest.

When I looked at Clayton, he wasn't even looking at me, instead he was sleepily playing with Weirdos. When he noticed me watching him, he gave a nod. With permission granted, I continued working on my masterpiece.