The Chronicles of the Tower -1-

Chapter 2 -The man in the grey cloak- (pt.1)

The seasons passed by quickly, and the friendship between Dana and Kai grew stronger. 

The boy was cheerful and optimistic, and his company made Dana's life less monotonous.

There were countless antics they had done together since they met for the first time.

For the first time...

One afternoon they were coming back home from the forest together, talking and laughing. Dana remembered that first meeting, four years ago. 

She remembered the image of the skinny blond boy sitting on the fence of the pen, his sincere look and his friendly smile.

Now Kai was a handsome ten-year-old boy, yet he still smiled the same way.

She also remembered that night when she discovered that Kai was not a normal child. Her face momentarily darkened, and Dana shook her head. 

She had decided to trust him. She didn't care about other people's opinions; Kai would always be by her side, Kai was really close to her and would never hurt her.

And since she didn't like conflicts, she had gotten used to not speaking to anyone about Kai, pretending she had made that up and he wasn't real. 

She would laughing with her siblings when they reminded her of her conversations with "that friend of hers" whom no one saw But when she was alone she went to meet up with Kai and tell him everything that was going on.

They don't understand, he said, and with this thought he silenced what her own little voice repeated: «Won't it be that you are crazy? ».

Certainly everyone thought she was, and Dana was fully aware of it.

But just looking at Kai in the eyes would dissipate all of her doubts. She no longer imagined a life without her best friend.

And when she balanced the pros and cons, she realized that he was worth enduring the mocking glances of the people in order to keep him by her side.

He knew very well the sacrifice it meant for Dana to keep that friendship, and inside he felt deep admiration for his friend's strength.

But despite her efforts, Dana couldn't help herself. Fro time to time someone would find out about her "talking to herself". 

It was her strange behavior that had contributed to giving her a tough reputation all around.

Dana didn't care much, and less at that precise moment. She returned home with Kai, both bathed in the light of the autumn sunset.

The girl closed her eyes and let the breeze stir her black hair.

Kai looked at her tenderly. Dana would soon cease to be a kid; the boy knew that very well. And despite her carefree appearance, his friend was going through a difficult time.

On one hand she longed to have a group of "normal" friends; but on the other, she didn't want to lose the one who held such an important place in her heart.

Kai knew that Dana was expecting answers to the questions she had about his life. He also knew that he was going to be a main support for her friend while she found her way as she grew. Dana needed him more than ever.

Then the wind whispered voices from afar. Dana stopped and squinted her eyes to make out the group of people running through the meadow.

They were girls more or less their age. They played by passing a rag ball between them. Sara, the Northern farm girl was there too.

Dana and Kai approached them. On her face a longing expression had appeared, and Kai knew very well what that meant.

However, Dana didn't dare to get too close. She stopped at few steps from the group, behind a fence that marked the properties of her family and neighbor's, and she stared at how they played, wishing she could join them.

Sara's team had the ball, and the other group was trying to take it away. The girls screamed, jumped and laughed with their hair scrambled and flushed cheeks.

One of them noticed Dana's presence by the fence, and she stared at her. The others realized what was happening, and the game stopped.

What are you looking at? the girl asked Dana rudely.

A harsh expression crossed her face and, without answering she did a 180 and was ready to leave.

Wait! Sara stopped her, and Dana turned hopefully. Do you want to play?

The others complained, but Dana ignored them. She stayed there looking at Sara, wondering if she was kidding. But the girl seemed very serious.

I'd like that very much, Dana replied slowly and cautious.

Then Sara pretended to hesitate.

The thing is, she said, I don't know if that would be a good idea. Maybe you pass the ball to someone who does not exist, she concluded with a laugh, and the others joined her.

Dana felt humiliated and was going to reply, but she didn't because she still wanted to be a part of that group.

It's easier to pass the ball to one of you, she replied, smiling. If not, the game would be no fun, don't you agree?

Sara seemed to appreciate the elegant gesture that Dana presented. But the rest were not as compassionate, and they laughed again.

Go talk to the devil, you witch! one insulted her.

Yeah! Go away, witch! the others chanted. However Dana tried again.

I am not a witch, she said. I am like you. I only like to think aloud, that's all.

Then you think too much! one scoffed.

The girl with the rag ball threw it in her face with all her might. Dana received the impact and picked up the toy, stunned.

No, it hadn't hurt her, but the girl's gesture had been a clear show of aggression.

He tried to ignore that and thought that since she had the ball, she could be part of the game, so she threw it at Sara. But she dodged it and didn't catch it.

The rag fell on the grass. Dana felt hurt and very humiliated, and wondered what she had done to be treated like this.

She wanted to turn around and run away. But before she could, one of the girls picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at her.