You make it sound so easy to be alive
But tell me, how am I supposed to seize this day
When everything inside me has died?
- "Self Conclusion" The Spill Canvas
He likes to stand on the roof of this building. Watching the world spin beneath his feet. Knowing that he could possibly be the smallest, least important thing on Earth. But, if he wanted (he doesn't) he could hold all of it in the palm of his hand.
She curls her toes over the lip of the building. Wondering if she will remember all she has forgotten (when her life flashes before her eyes). Thinking there has to be a better way than this. But, she has become a stranger to herself, and she doesn't want to live her life with a stranger.
He recognizes her immediately. Because, he remembers (all of it. and it kills him). And even though he knows she doesn't know him, he approaches her.
Her head shakes, as if she is clearing a thought from her mind. And he is struck (after so many years of not seeing her) by how painfully beautiful she has grown to be. He finds himself unable to tear his eyes from her long hair, tear-streaked face (this is private, this is hers). But she is (was) his friend. She was strong and brave and sharp as a tack and it breaks his heart to see her like this (weak, scared, dulled).
"Don't say it," she muttered, tossing her head back. "Because you don't understand. And I can't explain it to you."
He doesn't need an explanation. The others too have become shells of people. Unable to know who they are or what they should be like (in short, ignorance is far from bliss). And she is right, he doesn't understand what it's like to forget. But, he knows what it is to be the only one who remembers (you must always watch your words, you must always be lonely). He stands firm, meeting her soft, sad eyes with his. "I may know more than you think." (I do know more than you think).
"You don't know me," she whispers to the stars. Although, this may be untrue. For, she has forgotten those whom she once knew. "I don't even know me."
His hand extends into the air, reaching towards her. "Come with me and we'll learn," he says (I know you, knew you, and I will never forget you).
She shifts her weight around on the precarious perch. A breath catches in his throat and he sees a light smile ghost her face (she's playing with him). "I'll do it, you know," she murmurs (coos, really. like she is talking to a child). "I always keep my word."
She does not know if that statement is true. But he does and he smiles. "Please?"
"Should I know you?" she asks, closing her eyes tight (as if this will shield her).
He takes a step closer to the rim of the building. He doesn't want to scare her. "Just come with me." (You used to know me).
She turns and hops down from the ledge, taking his hand in hers (the world in the palm of his hand). She trusts him with this (and she can't really say why). "Fine, talk me down, buddy."
He almost smiles (this is the girl he used to know).
She likes this mysterious, roof-dwelling boy and she lets him lead her down the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs is a door. And behind that door is the world. A world he only knew to watch from above, and her from afar. A world that perhaps they could brave together (she knew there was a better way).
A/N: Sooo...a tad depressing. and I tried something new with the whole parentheses thing. I still don't know if I like it.
In my mind, this is about 1 and 362. But I suppose it could be anyone. and I'm sorry I lied about finishing Familiar. I don't know if any of you actually care, but I WILL do it...eventually. Adios!
