Crapiola Part Two
We didn’t get to talk much that time, but I managed to get to know him more. He told me he was living with an uncle. He did not story me of his parents or siblings. I did not ask. After all, I consider it rude to ask at this point. Perhaps another time.
I lay down on the green grass of Loki Park, my usual stop on my way home. During these moments, I enjoy gazing into the sky and imagine myself as a Moon of Phyrexia. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have wings? The Moons are so lucky.
“Hello.”
I looked up as a boy with black hair and eyes looked down on me, smiling.
“Artemis!” I said, sitting abruptly. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I’m sorry to startle you. I was just passing by on my way home. I thought I’d say hi.”
“Oh…I see.”
“So do you come here often?” He asked, as he settled beside me.
“Yes, I like it here. It’s quiet and beautiful. I can just relax and gaze at the sky.”
“Why do you like to stare into the clouds? Isn’t it much better to be on the ground?”
I raised a brow. Did he really mean what he just said?
“I don’t know, Artemis,” I finally said, “I’ve had this habit since I was younger. I somehow felt that I belong there, you know?”
Artemis frowned, probably thinking that I am such a weirdo. I seem to project that into people.
“You don’t know how they live in the sky, do you?” he echoed.
I shrugged. “I once heard of a story about Sky city, where winged people live.” I turned to him. “Have you?”
“Sky City? Winged people?” He looked utterly baffled.
I nodded. “It’s a race of people with wings called Moons of Phyrexia. They roam the skies, flying with their angelic wings. Their life was carefree and wonderful. If only humans were granted wings, we would have been free of troubles too, don’t you think?”
“Well, not really. Having wings won’t solve your problems.”
“Well in my opinion, I wouldn’t have worries now if I had wings like they do. Life would be so much easier.”
“You think having wings would solve your problems?”
“I would like to believe so, Artemis.”
He was silent. I was gazing back at the sky therefore did not catch his expression then.
What was his face like? I don’t know.
I have always had my head in the clouds. I was famous for it in school.
The house was empty when I come home. Michael was still at work and usually came home late. I often felt out of place even in this house. It doesn’t feel like home. After all, it wasn’t mine to start with. Mother and I lived in a small house before moving here when she married Michael. She passed away a year later. The house was certainly bigger and grander than most houses in the neighborhood. But it was cold and empty. A hollow shell. There is no warmth here. The kind of feeling your love ones have for you. One that you treasure for the rest of your life, even long after their loss.
But there was no love between me and Michael. We were never related. All we had for each other was obligations. I was just a burden to him. We seldom communicate. However, Michael never neglected his financial duty as a father. My monthly allowance will be added into my account on the first day of every month, never a penny less.
End of part two. Continue post above.
