Stepping into an alley, a sense of foreboding washed over him. Mors, an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery, found himself drawn to the haunting remnants of the once-thriving café. His hand subconsciously twisted the ring on his finger, aligning the insignia to face his palm once more, as if seeking protection from the ominous atmosphere that surrounded him.
Each step he took seemed to deepen the mystery that enveloped him, the echoes of his own footsteps resonating through the empty alley.
As he followed the invisible trail laid out by his own footprints, Mors couldn't help but wonder why his feet had led him back to this desolate place. The charred facade of the burned-down café stood as a testament to the destructive forces that had consumed it. Yet, there was something inexplicably captivating about the ruins, displaying the cruelty of humanity. Humanity at its absolute worst. Where the sanctity of life has been thrown out the window.
The burnt remnants of the café became a focal point, an enigma that demanded his attention. Drawn by an invisible force, Mors pressed forward, determined to face the looming demon that was the emotions rising up in him. They scared him.
The acrid scent of smoke mingled with a sense of melancholy, wrapping around his throat like ghostly hands clasping at his neck. He felt the weight of the human emotions like never before. It felt like he was drowning.
As he stood amidst the ruins, a chilling sense of captivation washed over him. The remnants of what was once a bustling hub of life now lay in shambles, revealing the darkest depths of humanity's cruelty. It was a stark reminder that even in the face of destruction, the sanctity of life could be callously discarded and trampled upon.
The charred remains of the café, a haunting silhouette against the golden sunlight of the setting sun, bore witness to the depravity that had unfolded within its walls. It was a place where the essence of humanity had been stripped away, leaving behind a void of empathy and compassion. Mors couldn't help but feel a mixture of sorrow and anger as he surveyed the wreckage, each scar marking a life forever lost.
His eyes lingered on the spot where Lilly had been.
It was a bone chilling reminder that beneath the veneer of civility, humanity possessed a capacity for unspeakable acts. The burned-down café became a tangible symbol of this darkness, a manifestation of the cruelty that lurked within the hearts of individuals.
As Mors surveyed the remnants, his mind filled with questions that clawed at his soul. How could humanity stoop so low? What had driven people to commit such heinous acts? The answers eluded him, buried within the charred rubble and the fragments of shattered glass
With a heavy heart, Mors knelt before the charred remnants.
Little did he know, his ring had slipped once more, revealing his vulnerable state, yet the enigma of human nature ensured that no one took notice of his plight. What were these overwhelming emotions that eluded his control?
The passage of time went unnoticed, and as the sun neared its descent, a voice pierced his contemplation.
"Did you lose someone here today?" a faintly familiar voice shattered his reverie. He turned his head and she uttered a small gasp.
‘In a way’ he thought to himself.
"You could say that."
He peered into her green eyes, holding eye contact for far longer then was appropriate. It captivated the girl.
She took in his state, realizing he didn’t need to be breaking down in front of what may be a source of trauma for him.
“Let me get you a cup of coffee.” She said gently, and she stood up, offering her hand to help him stand. Hoping he would allow her to help him, even if just a little.
As he stood she noticed how he towered over her, how had she not seen him before? She wondered.
She couldn’t help but quickly admire his physique as he straightened out his clothes.
They strolled together in silence, their destination a serene café hidden from the view of its charred counterpart. The young woman, once fixated on her phone to the point of colliding with him, now had her full attention on the world around her. Sensing his anguish, she guided him away from the place that seemed to torment him.
Inside the café, she gestured for him to settle in a quiet corner. Mors complied, unsure of why he was following her lead. After a brief absence, she returned with two steaming mugs of coffee. Placing one in front of Mors, she introduced herself.
"I'm Aurora," she said, taking a seat across from him. He found himself instinctively responding, "Mors."
Aurora studied his somewhat vacant expression for a moment, and his eyes turned to the table. "I was at the café earlier, before the incident," he blurted out, surprised by his own disclosure. But it felt comforting not to shoulder his burden alone. His eyes remained fixed on the table.
"I think you might be in shock, judging by your appearance," she said calmly, her voice a soothing balm. "You don't have to talk if you don't want to. Just sit here and breathe. It will pass." Her words resonated softly, offering him solace.
Expecting her to reach for her phone, Mors was taken aback when she didn't. Instead, she sat in front of him, quietly sipping her own coffee. As he observed her more closely, her long chestnut locks cascading over her shoulder, she absentmindedly twirled a strand, gathering all her hair to one side. Her porcelain complexion exuded warmth and approachability. Though he couldn't pinpoint her exact age, he guessed she was in her mid to late twenties, as her face was devoid of any lines near her eyes or mouth.
"I should mention that I work in the mental health field, just so you know." she said, her gaze locking with his, revealing a shade of vulnerability. Her emerald eyes traced the contours of his jawline before swiftly averting their gaze, betraying the stir of emotions within her.
As she observed him, a strange turmoil seemed to simmer beneath his exterior. It piqued her curiosity, awakening an innate desire to understand and help him. However, she knew that delving into his personal struggles without his consent would be a breach of professional and ethical boundaries.
Suppressing her own inquisitiveness, she redirected her focus to the task at hand. After all, she had brought him here to help him begin to cope, even if it was just to relax in silence for a little while. Aurora prided herself in being a safe space for those whose own mind wasn’t a safe space for them.
As she savored her coffee, she intermittently glanced up at him, gauging his receptiveness to engage in a conversation. Time drifted by, accompanied by a couple of refills of aromatic coffee, and she noticed a subtle shift in his body language. The once tense and guarded demeanor began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound ease and a flicker of vitality returning to his eyes.
Intrigued by this transformation, she couldn't help but wonder what had sparked this change within him. Had her presence provided a comforting solace, a respite from the burdens that weighed him down? Or perhaps, the simple act of sharing space and quiet companionship had granted him a brief respite from his internal struggles.
Though she longed to inquire about his newfound energy, she reminded herself of the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Instead, she chose to cherish the shared moments, relishing the silent connection they had cultivated. Each sip of her coffee became a reaffirmation of her commitment to be present for him, offering support in whatever capacity he needed.
As the conversation remained unspoken, their shared silence spoke volumes. It was a language of understanding and empathy, transcending the limitations of words. In those moments, she felt an unspoken gratitude for the opportunity to witness his vitality being restored, even if she couldn't fully comprehend the catalyst behind it.
With each passing moment, their connection grew stronger, nurtured by the unspoken understanding they had developed. It was a reminder of the profound impact that human presence and genuine care could have on someone's well-being. And as they continued to sip their coffee, she couldn't help but hope that this newfound light in his eyes would continue to guide him on his journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Seated together in a tranquil silence, Mors found himself caught in a whirlwind of introspection, his mind traversing the boundless realm of human emotions. It was an unfamiliar sensation that enveloped him, leaving him both intrigued and perplexed. What was this profound sentiment he was being bestowed with? Could it possibly be compassion, a word he had heard whispered in passing?
As he mused over his thoughts, Mors couldn't help but marvel at the depth and complexity of human emotions. It possessed a tender quality, a genuine concern for his well-being that he had never before encountered.
With each passing moment of their shared silence, the weight of this emotion settled upon Mors' heart, leaving him in awe of the power it held. It was as if a door had been unlocked within him, granting access to a realm of understanding and empathy that had previously remained inaccessible. This newfound awareness fostered a newfound curiosity within him, urging him to explore the depths of his own emotions and the potential they held to connect with others.
As his mind wandered through the labyrinthine corridors of human experiences, Mors couldn't help but wonder what had sparked this outpouring of compassion from his new companion. Was it from a profound dedication to her profession? Or was it simply the result of their shared presence, the unspoken understanding that transcended the barriers of words? Or some other unknown human experience?
Regardless of the circumstances, Aurora's simple act of offering silent compassion had managed to quell the raging fires of his sadness. Mors shifted his gaze towards the window, his eyes fixed on the darkness that enveloped the world outside. It struck him then, a realization of just how much time had slipped away while he found solace in the presence of this stranger.
Expressing his gratitude and remorse, Mors spoke in a somber tone, "Thank you, Aurora. I apologize for occupying your evening."
Aurora gently shook her head, her lips forming a tender smile. "You have no need to apologize," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
Seeking affirmation, she posed a question while finishing the remnants of her coffee, "It helped, didn't it?"
Instead of uttering a verbal response, Mors simply nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes reflecting the depth of gratitude he felt.
Aurora's smile widened, radiating kindness and understanding. "I'm glad," she said softly, her words laced with genuine sincerity.
Rising from his seat, Mors straightened his posture and offered a slight bow in front of Aurora. "I am truly grateful for the time you have generously shared with me tonight. I wish you a wonderful evening," he expressed with heartfelt sincerity. With those words, he turned and began his journey towards the exit, his departure seemingly swifter than Aurora had anticipated.
In that split second, a surge of concern and a desire to extend her support once more coursed through Aurora's veins. She yearned to offer her phone number or business card, ensuring that he had a means of reaching out if he ever desired the solace of a silent companion again. But alas, before the words could escape her lips, he had already crossed the threshold and disappeared into the night, leaving her with a sense of both lingering connection and fleeting regret.
Exiting the quiet cafe, a sense of trepidation washed over him as he sensed the all-too-familiar tingling sensation of his ring urging him to investigate the contents of his pocket. Inwardly sighing, he braced himself for yet another late night mission that awaited him. Seeking a moment of respite, he sought refuge under the gentle glow of a nearby street lamp, its light casting a soft halo around him. With a careful hand, he retrieved the seemingly innocent white card from the depths of his pocket.
As his eyes scanned the message etched upon the card's surface, a mixture of relief and weariness washed over him. It was a summons, a directive from the celestial realm. "Please report to headquarters tomorrow at 9:00am for a meeting," the words declared. A fleeting moment of gratitude swept through him, knowing that his tumultuous encounter with death had come to a temporary halt. The burdens he had shouldered throughout the day had reached their limit, and he yearned for a respite from the heavy responsibilities that weighed upon his celestial existence.
It was time to go home.
