I stood on the edge of a rooftop, high above the city. Below me, tall and gallant buildings stretched out into the night, their lights dimmed under the weight of winter's hush. The wind howled fiercely, cutting through the stillness, and somewhere in the distance, I could hear soft bells—Jingle Bells—faint but clear. Snowflakes drifted down in scattered flakes.
My breathing was shallow. My mind was made up. What more did life have to offer me? I closed my eyes and stepped forward.
But just as I was about to let go, a voice called out. Deep, calm, and oddly comforting. It struck something inside me. I turned around.
There he stood. His features were blurry, but I could make out his silky brown hair, a neat mustache, and soft pink lips. His eyes were a piercing blue, and for a fleeting moment, I forgot why I was up there. I turned away again, conflicted.
"Wait…" he called out—
"Hello? Hello?" another voice interrupted.
I blinked.
A gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me fully awake. I was no longer on a rooftop—I was in the back seat of a car. The same man leaned toward me, concern written all over his face. I sat up, startled.
"You really scared me," he said, exhaling. "For a moment, I thought you were… gone."
My eyes widened. "Why would you think that?" I asked, my voice hoarse.
"Because… you slept for two days straight. I was getting worried, so I had to check if you were okay."
Two days? I couldn't believe it. Was I that drained? That broken?
"Well," he said, stepping out of the car, "come on. I've brought you somewhere safe."
I hesitated for a second, then followed, heart racing. Could it be? Had he taken me back to Miss Cathy? To the orphanage?
But as I stepped out and took in my surroundings, reality hit. This wasn't the orphanage.
The place was unfamiliar. A three-story building painted blue and green stood in front of us. The entrance was marked by a blue gate, surrounded by potted flowers. Something about it felt strangely familiar, but I couldn't place it.
The man gently took my hand. "I really tried to find the orphanage… but I couldn't. So I brought you here. I couldn't leave you on the streets again. Don't worry—you'll be safe, and they'll take good care of you."
I looked at him, then back at the building. Another place. Another beginning. New faces, new fears,
a new environment...why does life keep playing these games with me, taking me from places to places and then making me feel my miserable than I already am..., why ?
The man held my hands and pulled me into the building, through the gates. He exchanged pleasantries with the guard in duty and then he pulled me into the building....my heart beating fast with every step we took, i wondered what life has in store for me at this new damn place. Will I be able to get over what I have been over the past few years in the place, will the case be different, would I find peace here....will i be free my the voice that keeps tormenting me in my head or will the darkness take full control over me ?