The Adventures Of John B : The Sacred Stone

Part 21 - The Observatory of Human Hopes

Ever notice how words can mean the same thing and be so different at the same time?

How they can have multiple meanings- thousands upon thousands of them- spinning your head around until all you can do is remember the simple ones. Like your brain was wired to revert back to the only things that seem comprehensible in times of dire trouble.

The gravity of words settles in, and you find yourself pushed down by the weight of words- all the while by actual gravity?

There's too many of them. Too many words to remember- just like there are too many memories and sentiments to record. And yet we still try so desperately to- even knowing how insignificant they are in the span of the world. In the span of time- time that keeps moving on- time that is ultimately perpetual in comparison to our puny, temporary lives?

I was always scared of growing up. All those intimidating words, phrases, opinions, and numbers staring me down as I cowered in fear- my emotions more passionate than my motivations.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that words are complicated.

Everything seems so complicated, really.

To me at least.

And I'm not sure if I can keep up with these sudden, inevitable changes.

Or maybe I don't even have to- because I can see them barreling in my direction at the speed of light, threatening me with empty promises and hopeless predictions.

I know I'm going to run. I have to. I just worry that, on the way down, it won't hurt as much as I expect it to.

I don't want it to crush me. Life is unfair- things will push you down when you finally begin to think you could pick yourself up. But I don't want it to expropriate the little dreams I have left for the future, and wind me- seizing the chance to abolish all chances of reformation.

Because, in truth,

I was only a child. I was only a child when they took that from me.

But now I've grown- and I am more ready and unprepared than I've ever been.

Will it take it all away, or will I be able to persevere- to withstand the challenge?

With everything I've gained with loss, I have more to lose now than ever.

Will I be okay?

-V

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You don't want any?"

He shifted his head with the slightest consideration, untangling his intertwined fingers. Sucking his cheeks in, he raised his hand, making contact with the broad hat on his head, the black figure tilted down to cover his face.

A disgruntled cough emerged from his lips as he tightened them, responding with a small shake of the head.

The girl smirked, tilting her head out of curiosity. She pushed the fancy glass cup over, laying the spoon beside it.

"So, what are we looking at?" she inquired, her head whirling around to the glass, the reflective surface catching the dim, yellow light from the cheap lamp above.

"Not at."

Her eyes drifted over to his mundane expression, his attention enticed only by answers and chances to observe.