(Book 5) Hayden Mackay and The Pride of Haima-Endira

6.2 The Walking Scroll

She did leave the door open.

I pushed the door further aside. There was a mild creek. I cleared my throat to make her aware of my entering, even though it was useless. She was sitting on her bed, hugging her knees and face buried in her lap. There were no moments, except her shadow that flickered against the numerous candles placed on the table. The window was left ajar as well, with cold breeze penetrating in. The bedroom, she had chosen, was at the back of the house, and outside the window was only an open space land, covered with snow.

There was a thick stack of papers on the table, gently fluttering with a gentle wisp of wind. The paint soaked brushes were still wet. She must be painting a hell lot all day.

I walked inside, being slightly eager to talk things through before Pruthvi and Leena came by. Planning a conversation starter in my mind, I leaned over and placed my hand on her shoulder.

She jumped startled, getting off the bed and away from me. "Don't touch me!" She yelled, so loudly that thankfully, only I can hear.

"Relax," I said, sniggering. "It's just me."

There was excessive moisture beaded on her face. Tears, or sweat, I wouldn't know, considering it was a negative million degrees outside. Colour had drained from her face. How bewildered and frustrated she looked. Sickly pale and there were dark circles under her bloodshot eyes.

"Sorry. Bad dream," she whispered, taking long deep breaths.

Her features then calmed down, as we looked at each other thoroughly. She stared at me as if unable to believe it was really me standing in her bedroom. She gave a quick jerk, wanting to come closer but refrained.

"What are you doing here?" She asked. Her voice in my head was similar to the one I'd been hearing during the past month - demanding and stern, everything unlike the real her.

"Er, I thought Leena told you that..."

"Oh, yes. I forgot." She took another deep breath and tucked her hair behind her ear. Now having a good look at her, I had to frown. A tall, slender and frail-looking girl that she had been, suddenly seemed to have a stronger build inside those jeans and tunic top, reminding me of an extremely lean professional athletic. I wouldn't want to believe that besides painting, she has been passing her time working out.

"Is it not the right time?" I asked, "Do you want to do this later?"

She glared, clenched her jaw and took a step boldly forward, looking straight at my lips. "It's been over a month."

So it was going to be this way. Straight to the point. Cutting through the crude. I couldn't deny, I liked this progress in her. "It's pretty serious out there. Totally unexpected, unwelcome changes. Doctor's death is one of them."

"I know. Leena has been telling me. She atleast visits me every alternative day. Isn't she a Samagraha like you?"

I couldn't answer her straight away, because she hit the right spot. And how could I tell her, looking at her in the eye, that she was my sweet distraction? I took a moment, thinking of the words that could give her comfort but no false hope. "It cannot be the way it was in Parallel Universe. Things are really tough. And you were the one who went on and on about how the country should be given the priority. That is what I'm trying to do. You gotta understand and...wait."

"Wait? What if it's too late by then?"

I swallowed. Sure, it wouldn't be right on my part if I lock her up and seal the deal. We were still two different individuals. "Then you free to do whatever you want. Not saying it wouldn't suck but it's your life. You take the decision."