The soft glow dims the side of his face, making his sharp features more prominent. He grabs an old book from the side table and licks his finger then turns the pages. His eyes laser focused as I watched him for a while.
The rainstorm doesn’t look like it will calm down soon, it’s getting angrier.
The soft snoring of Clayton calms me as he falls fast asleep on the chair, the book left open on his lap as his glasses are lopsided on the bridge of his nose.
I rest my head back on the windowsill as I stare outside. A black silhouette movement catches my eye as I sit upright, inching my face closer to the glass and squint my eyes.
Nothing.
Maybe it was my imagination for staring out in the open for hours by now.
A black mass threads through the trees as I follow it with my vision. The tall shadow indicates that it is a man. No onetrespasses through this land as Clayton owns it all. I look back at Clayton quickly and he’s still deep in slumber.
When I turn my head back towards the window, I find the man walking towards the lake. He stops on the edge and stares around him. I’m not sure what he is looking for, he seems lost. He looks up at the sky and runs his fingers through his hair in desperation.
He seems lonely.
I stand up slowly and step forward, avoiding all the wooden floor planks that creak. Clayton’s chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm. When I walk past him, he stirs and I stand still. He adjusts his neck, mumbling inaudibly as I let out a breath that I have been holding then continue my way to the stairs. Holding onto the railing as I descend carefully, my heart beating frantically in my chest as my hands shake and I fist them as much as I can to keep my composure.
I never left the house without Clayton knowing or accompanying me. Obeying has always pleased him, but it left me with an empty feeling each day. My urge to explore and experience the world outside these walls has gotten stronger each day that passes in his safety.
The front door antagonizes me as I stare at it, my hand hovering over the handle as my nerves keep me still.
What if Clayton has one of his hallucinations again and needs me?
The doubtful thoughts whisper in my mind as I’m torn between two decisions. Leave and talk to someone who isn’t Clayton for once, or Stay with him and let my feelings decay.
I start to slowly turn my back to the door but the handle calls to me. I close my eyes and reach for it, the coldness hits against my palm as I open it. The door creaks and I cringe, waiting for the sounds of Clayton stomping down the stairs.
I smile when I hear nothing but the faint sound of his snoring.
I step slowly outside the doorframe and let out a breath of surprise when the rain drops hit my legs. Once I’m fully outside, the rain drenches me and I look up at the sky, letting them fall down my face until I taste them on my tongue. My lips tilt up to my eyes as I grin, I have never felt this much joy and excitement. It’s almost likefreedom.
I raise my arms beside me and sway them, dancing in the rain as I spin around in a fit of giggles. The sweater I’m wearing is the only warmth I have, but my body doesn’t seem to mind as the water soaks through the cloth, weighing me down, but I never felt lighter. An invisible burden lifts off my chest as if I'm flying through the sky in bliss.
A burning presence hit the side of my body as I opened my eyes and found in the distance the unknown man staring at me. His gaze takes me in with surprise and confusion as he walks towards me. Instinctively, my feet step back on the grassy ground before I can think about it. He catches my fear and slows his approach as he keeps his hand raised before him to let me know he is safe.
I don’t dare utter a word as he inches closer to me and I match every step forward of his, backwards.
“Good evening, I have been driving for hours in this storm and my car broke down. I just need to see if you have someone who would help me.” His voice has a soothing tone to it, way different than Clayton’s deep voice.
I look around in hesitation and keep my mouth shut, not sure what to tell him. He has a dark coat on a slightly short frame, his eyes a musky brown, the smile he is giving me radiates his kindness and insecurity.
“I apologize for not introducing myself, my name is Thomas. I’m from the North City. What’s your name miss?”
He is clearly trying to ease me into trusting him and start a normal conversation. Rain pours down his face, making his darkhair strands stick onto his eyes. I want to have a friend, here is my chance.
“Doll.” I stuttered for a second but he gave me patience till I murmured the name.
His features tighten in confusion as he waits for me to correct myself.
I match his confusion with my plank stare.
“Doll? Like artificial plastic human figures? Pardon me, miss, but I never heard someone being called that.”
I stay silent.
He clears his throat and covers his confusion with a gentle smile as he reaches a hand towards me and I look down at it.
