Hope

Walking down a deserted street at night. There's a blackout in this part of town, the only light is from the full moon above.

Alone.

Darkness everywhere. Is the lack of man-made light a manifestation of my mood?

What was that?!

A noise behind me. Better walk a little faster. Nothing is ever good in the darkness.

Not far from home now. Sounds like footsteps behind me. Faster. Faster. Heartbeat quickens. Physical effort or fear, I can't be sure which.

"Draco?"

I stop dead. I know that voice.

The street lights flicker on.

I turn slowly. My eyes lock on to those of the other man.

Green. Bright green. A colour that has always made things seem better.

"Hi."

I can't reply. My voice has been unused for so long. I just blink.

"I saw you leave that bar just now."

I nod slightly. He shows a small, sad smile.

"So...how are you?"

I shrug. He frowns.

We're in front of my house so I unlock the door.

"Come in." I mouth.

I open the door. He passes me to enter.

I lead him to the living room and motion for him to take a seat.

"How long have you lived here?"

I hold up two fingers.

"Since the end of the war," he says quietly, sadly.

I nod once and stare at the floor.

Why is he here?

"Can you talk?"

Can I talk? I don't know anymore.

My thoughts must have shown on my face.

"How long has it been since you last spoke?"

I look up and catch his eyes. Again I hold up two fingers.

His mouth drops open. I look down at the carpet.

His hand is under my chin, pulling up. We are face to face.

When did he stand up?

"Stop punishing yourself."

My eyes won't leave his. Both unblinking for what seems like forever.

His hands are on my shoulders, gently pushing me to sit on the sofa.

I peer down at my hands in my lap.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

I look at him.

"Do you want me to leave?"

I turn back to my hands. I shake my head.

Another age passes in silence.

I face him again. He's asleep!

I look at the clock. It's 2:53.

I turn of the lights and rejoin him.

I wake up on my sofa. Oh. I look to my left. The seat is empty.

A dream.

A dream I wish was real.

The door opens and I start.

"Sorry, I had to find the bathroom and I didn't want to wake you."

I smiled at him. A genuine smile that's been gone for a long time.

He looks a little puzzled but smiles back.

I take his wrist and lead him to the kitchen. I remove the coffee from the cupboard and hold it up to him in question.

"Please."

I make the drinks and take the over to the table. We sit across from each other.

There's silence again but it's somehow comfortable this time.

His eye haven't left my face. Mine meet them. He looks conflicted.

"I need to go, I have things to do today."

I nod.

"I'll owl you though, that way there can actually be a conversation."

I smile at his joke and sigh.

"Maybe we can get to a point where you can speak to me in person.

I nod again, more quickly now.

He stands and I show him to the door.

"I'll send a message soon."

I touch his arm.

"Thank you," I whisper.

He lifts his hand to my cheek. He turns around and starts walking away.

I watch him leave and then close the door and I'm filled with something I thought I would never feel again.

Hope.

So I've never actually finished a piece of writing before, let alone written anything that I felt I could share. I know it's a weird style but it came to me as I was trying to sleep last night and I finished it at midnight. On my phone.
I would love to know what people think.