Linewalkers

13 | Awake and Mistake

Not Edited 

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Ocean waves crashed in the distance. 

Her consciousness slowly returned and she groaned. The first thought that crossed her mind was the fact that she wasn't in any pain this time. Though, the bed beneath her body was rather stiff and uncomfortable. Something tickled her nose and she brushed it away. She had feeling in her body again. 

Suddenly, everything came rushing back and she sprung awake with a gasp. Her head spun and her vision blurred but instantly she knew that something was different. For one, she was on the ground and dirt coated her clothes. Secondly, scents of marvelous bakery and salty ocean breeze greeted her. 

She was definitely not at home. She didn't live anywhere close to the coast. Something soft tickled her fingers and she glanced down to find a large feather tucked against her side. It must have been the thing that tickled her nose. It was almost ten times as large as a regular bird feather and she frowned, studying its intricate and colorful design. 

Laughter from little children startled her and she glanced up to watch a group of children race by. She was sitting in an alley and although it was shadowed, she could see the golden afternoon light beyond the alley. Another group of children ran by, their laughter was boisterous and joyful. 

She stood and walked towards the end of the alley. A glance over her shoulder proved a dead end and she tucked the feather into her waistband. She was confused, her eyebrows furrowing. She didn't know where she was nor how she ended up here. 

A shadow passed above her and the rustle of feathers followed. She glanced up, seeing nothing but clear sky, but she felt the creeping feeling that she wasn't alone. She needed to watch her back, after what she had went through with Mr. Silva, he could be anywhere. It wasn't settled that she was out of danger yet. 

She reached the end of the alley and she stopped. A street stretched either way, an assortment of colorful clay and cement houses rested along the berms of the road. Tiles covered the top of the houses and wooden doors secured the homes. It all seemed to be made by hand through long hours of work, and the inviting, homey vibe that it emitted was comforting. 

She heard people cheering and laughing nearby. Christmas music was being played from instruments and people sung along. She almost forgot that it was that time of year, she had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts. She was just so confused. 

Children came running down the street and she waved for their attention. One of them stopped, a little boy with blonde hair. 

"Hey, can you tell me where I am?" She squatted down to his level. 

He tilted his head, "You're a stranger." 

"I'm a good stranger," She insisted, "Can you help me out?" 

"Momma said I shouldn't be talk to ye strangers," He shrugged, "But I suppose it ain't hurt." 

She picked up a spanish accent and asked, "Where am I?" 

"Home." 

"You're home, but not mine." 

"Everyone is from here." 

She sighed, "You aren't helping." 

"Come to the party!" He smiled up at her, a few teeth missing, "You can ask yer questions there!"