When the Lights Go Out
Don't forget to read from the beginning
Eventually, my step sister would tire of sitting by idly, watching others enjoy what was supposed to be our celebration. She would want her crutches, no matter how they "ruined [her] outfit" and no matter how clumsy they would be on the dance floor. She would protest now, but thank me later; knowing this, I excused myself and wandered towards the bathroom then abruptly turned towards the exit when I was sure she wasn't watching.
The night sky was brilliant, black velvet with glittering stars that twinkled like Christmas lights in the sky. The air was cool and a soft wind rippled in the air--as though the trees were bowing their respect to nature. Behind me, I could hear the sounds of the party, laughter mixed with beautiful music. Only a few paces before me, the car sat in the shadows, parked and vaguely forgotten. Her crutches would be in the backseat which would be easy to retrieve and be on my way.
As I gripped the crutches awkwardly, I turned back towards the party surprised to find it much further in the distance than I had expected--almost twice the distance I remembered.
Oh well. I told myself. You're tired and probably imagining things.
I began the walk back, juggling the crutches and the hem of my dress. The more I walked, however, the farther the light of the party went into the distance. It was as though the building itself, was moving away from me. I stopped, puzzled at what my eyes were telling me. As I stood still watching the lights fade from the horizon, the sound of music because began to dim in my ears. After a moment, the night was quiet except for the murmuring of the wind rippling by.
My eyes began to roam my surroundings as my brain struggled to piece together a logical explanation. To my right there was a shadow--the silhouette of a girl--which was sparkling like nothing I'd ever seen before. And unlike my party, it was moving closer and closer to me.
