Ashlei Havili English 9H/A1 Mrs.

Peet January 29, 2011

ALL LOVE LOST

We lay in the grass, the crickets chirping, as we filled our eyes with the great space of night. His arm felt warm against mine as we laid there, the silence of the moment making it even more peaceful. With all the lights off in most of the houses, the stars glow was bright and the crescent moon was just bright enough to give color to the yard. My mind wandered as I searched for something for us to talk about; neither of us liked long periods of silence. If you could remove one thing from the world what would it be? This was the beginning of a game we liked to play, and the questions could be anything, lighthearted or extremely serious. It was a long moment before he answered. I dont know, Jacks, he answered. Ill let you know as soon as I can, okay?

woke up looking at the ceiling. It took me a moment to see that something was terribly wrong. The ceiling was a cold grey concrete; my bedroom ceiling wasnt concrete. I bolted upright, looking around. I was in a large room, filled with cots, whose occupants were still comatose. I swung my legs off the bed, stuffing the pant leg of my uniform into the unfamiliar boots. After I took one final look around the room, trying to recall how I had got there, I walked out the open door. The hallway was empty. I studied the almost identical hallways that turned out of sight. Not seeing anything familiar, I chose one and started walking. The hall was filled with identical doors of dark, polished wood; some doors were open, but none of the inhabitants stopped me. All the doors had nameplates, but none of the names looked familiar. Jaqueline! Jackie! Someone was calling my name. I turned to see a woman hurrying down the hallway towards me. Although she obviously knew me, I did not recognize her at all; who was she? Should I trust her? I stayed still as I, waiting for her to approach, hoped I was doing the right thing. Im Mrs. Quilby (I guess I wasnt supposed to know her), she said breathlessly. He asked me to come get you, as Im his new assistant and all. I let her lead me down a labyrinth of hallways and stairs. There were no windows; was this a prison? We finally arrived at our destination. The door, which was the same as the others, had a nameplate as well: Thomas K. William. No, I said, a tremor in my voice. What was he and what was I doing here? The door opened with a creak, and I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. He was standing at the window, and he turned when he saw me. He smiled, a wolfish, cold smile. Now where have you been? he asked me, his tone like that of a scolding parent.

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Where am I, Thom? the fear creeping into my voice. He turned back to the window, the silence a heavy fog on my ever growing confusion and fear. Do you remember that night out in the backyard, staring up at the stars? he asked turning to see my answer. I had; it was the last civil conversation we had had. I see you do. He turned back to the window. You see, even after you had left me, your question continued to linger. No matter what I tried, it lingered, and with it, the painful memories of you, of us. He paused, trying to keep the emotion out of his voice. It was quite a surprise when I met a lady that asked me the same question. The difference is that this time, I had an answer. She granted me that wish. A cold fear was numbing my fingers. What did you remove, Thom? my voice shaking. He turned and smiled, his smile that of a madman. Love.

2|AH