The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting awakening beams to the forest. The trees shimmered like emeralds as the light hit its chartreuse leaves that soon would wilt by the cool, crisp air. The water glistened when warmth engulfed its diamond water and drew the shadows away. Even the earth was so cold that frost crackled at the windows of the million apartments of the city, but yet, never reached the comfort and heat that kept the individuals warm from the piercing cold.
Noa was outside- again- on the bridge of Vihnlox City near her small apartment, enjoying the breeze that tickled her chin and burned her lungs. She had her beloved sketchbook in one hand, gripped tightly in her palm as she leaned against the edge of the frozen water. In the other hand was her pencil, lighting tapping on the brink of the bridge as she exhaled slowly, watching as a warm cloud wavered in front of her for a moment- before evaporating as the frost sucked it up once more.
Noa found solace in the chilly air that embraced her body. Unlike other people, she found comfort in the frost that chilled others to the bone. Her thick jacket and long black boots were her second skin- a warm armor that fended off the piercing frost. A wide, broad scarf covered her neck, almost reaching her nose, and she pulled it back to tuck it safely under her chin. The air was her domain, and she relished every moment in it.
But the odd girl wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the chilly air. A few feet across from her was a tall woman, holding hands with a little girl who expanded from all of the layers she had on. A trio of blonde girls, in sync with icy-blue eyes, were holding a fancy purse glistening with gold that sparkled in the sunlight as they skipped by, their expensive jackets trailing behind them. There was even a boy, walking a dog that was too big for him- with a beanie, colorful puffy sweater, and matching retro sneakers.
However, what caught her eye was a couple- right on the sideway on a bench that was conveniently placed next to them. They were laughing cheerfully and each had an ice cream cone in their hands. The girl tapped the tip of her ice cream on his nose, leaving a white mark in the center- and the boy laughed even harder, tears in his eyes as he tackled her, dropping his cone in the process as the two wrestled playfully.
And there it was. The sharp pain in the girl’s heart- piercing her like a thorn. At the unbearable agony, she gritted her teeth together, her legs shaking slightly as her stomach churned.
The bite of regret- sadness, guilt- and undeniable anger mixed inside of her made her sick. She wanted to run, scream, hide- and yet, she did nothing. The girl only stood there, breathing laboriously. She longed to race back into her apartment where nobody would see the despair that lingered around her, but the shock kept her still as she clutched her sketchbook and pencil tighter in her hands.
It’s not real, Noa thought, biting back a sob as a thin layer of tears glistened in her eyes.
And yet, why did she feel like this? Like the world was crumbling down in her palms? Like shadows were creeping around every corner- waiting for her.
Because of the mistake? The regret? The pain?
Too many questions swarmed the girl’s mind.
Because of love, her mind chimed quietly, reminding her again as she inhaled deeply, relaxing her tensed muscles as she collapsed on the brink of the bridge’s edge. She was too wrapped up in her head that she didn’t notice the odd looks people gave her as they walked by.
Of course, I don’t deserve it, Noa thought. I don’t believe it.
But then why am I feeling like this?
The question lingered in her head as she fought to understand, but soon she realized that she couldn’t even answer the query herself.
Then a person, coming full speed at her- slammed into the girl, knocking her sketchbook and pencil out of her hands. It fell over the bridge and into the river with a splash. For a moment, Noa froze. A zillion emotions crossed her mind in a single flash as the person turned around, looking alarmed as they stared at her, slightly anxious.
“Are you okay?” The unfamiliar voice asked.
Hate. Desperation. Agony. Happiness. Regret.
All of these emotions that swarmed through Noa represented the way she felt about love.
Why did this happen?
We were perfect.
I can’t get out.
“Hello?” The voice asked again, a tone so soft that it broke Noa’s thoughts, shattering like glass. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”
Darkness swept through her sight, corrupting the girl. The shadows wrapped around her, gripping her until she couldn’t breathe as she struggled to free herself, crying out in pain as she felt hated emotions crush right through her. The darkness drew nearer, slowly covering her body up to her throat- then eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she could feel herself slowly being crushed repeatedly.
I can’t- I need to leave. I have to get out.
Suddenly, warmth engulfed her hand, breaking her free. The nest she was building snapped in half, fading away into nothing. She spent so many years on her nest, trying to make it bigger and stronger so nobody could ever hurt her again.
Yet, the kindness on the strange boy’s face made her heart… feel odd. It was a feeling she thought she lost forever.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured, gripping Noa’s hand tighter, but somehow it gave her a sense of comfort. “Could I make it up to you? Maybe over a cup of coffee?”
Noa looked surprised, shock crossing her face for a heartbeat.
But what her answer was surprised her even more.