Shards of Moonlight || A Short-story Collection

I hear you - HF

- "Jesus, Kathrina. Did you notice Mrs. Katzenberger lately? She gained suspiciously, hein?"

A window slammed shut as idle tunes slid through the air as if they floated on cotton. The sun stood at half-mast on the horizon and unsuccessfully tried to chase the looming shadows out of the narrow alleyway.

- "Yea, how could I not? I bet you, she will set another one of those bastards into the world."

The high pitched voices sounded from opposing sides above unwieldy washing lines swinging softly like hammocks as the clothes they wore colored the only dim light into shades of black and brown. They sounded clear, but still could not drown out trumpets and taunting hollers from afar.

- "He is quite a catch though, isn't he? That lance corporal."

- "If only Alfred knew."

- "If only Alfred knew his wife."

Condescending laughter carried in the breeze that must have blown from the port, ruffling the clotheslines softly as the tune continued. It went unnoticed by the women's tattle, unnoticed by the punchier military marches, unnoticed by the children playing catch with dark faces sullied and wide smiles on their faces.

- "Scotico, we will miss the boat! The sun is already setting, so come on y'all! Let's head over to the parade!", a boy hollered grabbing the tallest one by the wrist and pulling on it.

- "Let's!", shouts eagerly responded, while the tallest boy shook the grabbing hand from off his wrist and seemed to blast at his companion as their steps slowly faded into the labyrinthine alleys of Venice' houses.

Noticed by the shadows surrounding him, as one of them menacingly neared a hunched over bundle of clothes that would have been invisible if it had not been for the worn-out strings his fingernails, rimmed with dirt, picked. Seemingly unbothered the tune continued: upbeat, yet melancholic. Afraid, but brave. Simple and magical.

- "Found you, Johnny."