Fated

As if rising from the dead, the girl woke.

But of course she wasn’t dead, nor would she die any time soon. Not if she could help it. This girl could make the breathless gasp for air. She could stare death in the face and fight for life.

            But one thing she did, was sleep deeply. She had once told the boy that when she slumbered, she saw all the happiness and joy in the lives of those she had helped. Their best days, but never their worst.

She lived in a world of pure sunshine, even in a world of gray.

The boy wished his wasn’t so different.

Another girl leaning against the crumbling wall turned to him. “Quit whining about your end of things. You have it good and you know it.”

Shut up Kide. The boy wanted silence, even if it was just for a few moments.

The girl looked up as if thinking. “Hmmm… How about no?” Her short choppy brown hair dropped blue bangs into her eyes, and she swatted them away.

The first girl rose from the rotting bed, stretching. “Mornin’. A white cloud formed when she yawned. Frost covered what was left of the window, sharp edges of glass worn down from years of exposure to the elements. A single bed sat with its head pressed against the wall right of the window, and a chair left to it. The boy occupied the chair, but he was not covered in layers of clothing and/or blankets. He, unlike the first girl, did not feel the chill of winter.

Menko rose from the bed, throwing off a green blanket. She then regretted her decision and wrapped it like a cloak around herself. Her golden colored cheeks shone red, and the boy thought she looked like a regal queen. The only problem with this was her lax attitude. Without acknowledging Kide, she said to the boy. “I’m going to go find some food.”

“Good luck.” The boy muttered. Kide snickered. Good food was scarce.

Just as she was about to open the door, which had no lock, Menko turned and studied the boy.

“Are you okay, Mept? You look sickly. You’re quite pale, but you’re cheeks or nose aren’t red. You’re not dressed for winter.”

“You’re the only thing that can turn him red.” Muttered Kide.

Shut up idiot. Ignoring her, Mept laughed. “Menko,” he said. “I’m naturally pale, and I grew up in a place much colder than this. I’m fine, now go.” He shooed her. She stuck out her tongue and left, giving Mept a quick view of the dank hallway lined with apartments.

As soon as she left, Kide sighed. “When are you gonna tell her, shadow boy? It’s not fair to her and you know it.”

Mept twisted his hands nervously. He was tired of this endless cycle. Kide kept asking and he kept stalling. But stalling was surely better than telling Menko.

I’ll tell her—

A ding went off in his head.

Mept froze.

Kide tapped her foot, impatient. “When? Finish your sentence damn it. Also, she’s not here. You don’t have to think to me. Speak out loud, I like to know I’m not invisible to everyone. ” She blew a blue strand of hair from her face.

Still shocked, Mept whispered, “I have an assignment.”

            Kide threw her hands up. “Oh hell no! First the higher ups tell us to deal with light girl, and now they’re giving you another assignment on top of it! I won’t stand for it. I’ll do your assignment. I’m less important in this. You just tell light girl about yourself and finish this job.