It’s Time—Short Story

Today I have a practice snippet I wrote for the project I am currently outlining. Happy reading!

***

It is time. 

That was the first thought that went through R’s mind as her eyes fluttered open. Darkness surrounded her, except for the silver light that trickled in through the half-open blinds across the room.

Everything around her was silent and peaceful. Everything aside from her pounding heart. 

She tried to press her eyelids shut and fall back asleep as she curled into a ball under the covers of her bed, but her mind was already racing. Grunting, she opened her eyes again then glanced around the room. Her eyes landed on the desk on the opposite wall. It was practically covered in papers, pencils, and books. 

Well, one book was of particular interest: the leather-bound journal. 

R rubbed her eyes then shoved the quilt off her body as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Pushing a lock of pink hair out of her face, she fumbled with her boots as she slipped them on then crossed the room to the desk. 

She stopped at the edge of the wooden desk and ran her fingers across the pages of the journal, staring at the black ink that stood out against the brittle paper like a silhouette against the bright sunlight. 

Biting the edge of her lip, she paused and clamped her hand around the edge of the desk as she turned to survey the room again. 

Framed pictures of her posing with her older brother decorated the gray walls of the bedroom. Unlit fairy lights were strung across the ceiling, creating gentle shadows across the tops of the walls. Her now unmade bed sat in one corner facing the one window in the room. 

It was almost as though she was seeing it for the first time. Has it really been four years?

R paused for a few more moments, pressing her lips together tightly before she turned and looked at the journal again.

It’s time. 

Stepping lightly, she walked to her closet across the room. She tugged open the door and sorted through her clothes until she found the ragged black hoodie, dark pants, and the fingerless gloves. 

A smile flickered on her face as she put them on. Familiar comfort filled her as she rubbed her fingers against the gloves. 

She pulled a few more clothes out of the closet then stuffed them in the half-full backpack that sat against the wall. 

R straightened, snatching up the backpack and swinging it over her shoulders. With one step, she reached the desk again. 

The pen felt odd in her hands as she unfolded a crumpled piece of paper and scribbled a note. Her hand was shaking by the time she turned to the journal’s first page where she set the note. 

R stepped back and stared hard at the desk. Emotion bubbled up inside of her chest as she forced herself to turn away. She made her way out into the hallway of the house, making sure to avoid the places in the floor where the floorboards squealed. 

She paused when she reached the doorway at the end of the hall. Soft snoring came from behind the door, which she pushed back enough to peer into the dark bedroom inside. 

Clothes littered the floor the whole way to the bed, where a slumped figure laid fast asleep. 

Elias. Her older brother. 

Who, if she was honest, was probably going to severely dislike what she was about to do. But that described a lot of things. Besides, he would understand…eventually. 

R smiled softly, brushing away the tears that were welling up in her eyes, for some stupid reason. 

She pulled the door shut then turned and quickly walked past the messy living room to the front door. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip around the doorknob. 

I can do this. 

She pushed open the door, stepping out into the chilly night. A gentle breeze blew over her, ruffling her hair. The flickering street lamps lit the sidewalk and bugs buzzed quietly. 

Taking a step to the left, she slipped around to the side of the house where she would be hidden by the large oak tree. She took another deep breath and hoisted the backpack higher on her back. 

With a roll of her shoulders, she felt the wings appear on her back, unfolding and spreading wide. The wind brushed the pink feathers as she began flapping them harder and leaping into the air. 

R rose quickly, watching the houses below her become smaller as the stars grew brighter and larger. She reached up and pulled her hood up over her head with one hand, before beginning to fly forward. 

It was time. 

***

Elias, 

It’s time. I’m sorry, but the journal should explain everything if you need to find me. Give me a month or two. I promise I’ll be back. I love you. 

—R

***

Until next time, 

A.J. Syngraféas