Disclaimer: I own nothing even remotely associated with Charlie Bone (except the books).
I think I've finally realized why I love writing this collection so much; it allows me to go out of my little bubble of fiction writing and experiment with new styles and genres. Since it's all based around one character, I can focus on points in his life that encompass every genre of writing, and stretch my imagination in the process.
For Paton's mother, I drew on both my imagination and the descriptions and name offered by the books.
The stars twinkled merrily, casting an unearthly glow on the face of the young boy beneath the shimmering sky. He lay sprawled out in the grass, hands resting behind his head as he gazed into the night sky. Around him, the grass danced in an intricate pattern, encouraged by the warm summer breeze.
He closed his eyes, sighing in contentment. The world was truly a calmer place at night; there were no disturbances, no lights. Lying amid nature, alone but for the sky above, Paton basked in the starlight, enjoying his peace and solitude.
Sable eyes opened again, gleaming in the silver light of the stars. Paton stared up at the stars in wonder and envy. These were the only lights he could look upon now—firelight and starlight.
He was only truly comfortable at night now, which suited him fine—the night sky was beautiful.
A rustle in the grass startled him out of his reverie. He turned his head, seeking the intruder to his private world. From such a low vantage point, all he could see were the person's feet: they were delicate, clad in light sandals, and barely made any noise against the ground.
Paton allowed himself to relax, shifting his gaze back to the sky above. "Hello, mother," he said, teeth glimmering in the starlight as he grinned.
She took a seat beside him, looking down at the peaceful expression on her youngest child's face. "Paton, you know that you aren't supposed to be out here this late," she said, giving him a reproachful look.
Paton looked at her guiltily. "I know…" He glanced back up at the stars. "It's so nice out here, though."
He sounded so innocent that her stern façade crumbled and she smiled, relaxing. "It is, isn't it?" She lay back against the ground and raised her eyes to the heavens. "Can you find any constellations, Paton?"
Nodding emphatically, he shifted so that he could raise an arm to point. "See, there's Hercules, and there's the triangle with Polaris." Awkwardly, he sat up, turning to face his mother. "They're so bright, Mom, even when they're so far away." His eyes opened in wonder. "I bet they're really bright when you're closer."
"I'm sure they are, mon petit," she said, her eyes twinkling.
Yawning, Paton turned to face her, propping himself up on one arm. "I love the night," he said, rubbing a hand across his eyes. "It's bright and dark at the same time. It's peaceful, too. There aren't any explosions."
Solange sat up, drawing her son into her lap. "You do not have to hide in the dark, Paton," she said, carefully keeping her tone light. "Your endowment is something to be proud of, not something to hide."
He looked up at her, eyes wide and innocent. "I know. It's just easier to avoid lights. That way there won't be any accidents."
She sighed, accepting that she could not change his mind. "Tu es un enfant de le nuit," she murmured, running a light hand through his black hair.
Paton looked at her with sleepy eyes. "Is that a bad thing?" he asked drowsily.
"No, Paton, there is nothing wrong with it," she said, smiling down at him. "Most people prefer day over night, though; I do not wish for you to isolate yourself over an endowment that you should be proud of."
"'S okay," he muttered, stifling a yawn. "I like the night, and most people don't understand anyway." He gave in to his exhaustion and relaxed against his mother, wrapping his arms around her and nestling his head underneath her chin.
Solange held him close, smoothing the hair out of his pale face. His endowment was hard on him, she knew, especially as young as he was, and she hated to see him so distant from the rest of the world. "You have a hard gift to bear, love," she murmured. Holding him close, she stared back up at the sky.
They sat together in the shelter of night—one awake and deep in thought, the other in the peaceful realms of sleep—while, high above, the stars continued to shine.
I'm really starting to enjoy writing little blips of Paton's past. It's very fun to try to incorporate his personality and preferences into the mind and temperaments of a child, and then to make it into a little story. The sentance in French says, "You are a child of the night," for those of you who don't speak any French (I only speak a bit myself so far).
Please review! I'd love to hear (...read) your opinions!