Where the Vines Fell

Roads well travelled; map like the back of the hand; different now. 

 

Time changes all, even the inanimate are not immune. Soulless structures in a city of necromancers, their repeated attempts failing to take. It all feels so different now. Architectural remnants serve as stones to mark the graves of giants passed and monitor the decay of a place still loved.

 

Despite it all, the populous still gathers. The paths and roads filled beyond bursting. Chaos amongst the dying. Noise. The first leg traversed in relative safety, on foot the journey continues. Gridlock to the right, nameless masses all around. What was once known, now only pockmarked with familiarity; buildings hollowed out, their internals replaced, a corpse reappropriated. Travelling the aged streets, warming to the progress, anxiety creeps. It lingered on the fringes as the shuttle boarded but grew exponentially at alightment; vines twisting across the chest, climbing to the brain, finger like tendrils pulsating as they tighten and pull. Fighting every instinct to turn back and return to safety, the destination's call grew. 

 

The infection's spread was less so apparent the closer to the heart travelled. Locations visited in days long past survived the test of time. Exploring the relics provided respite, feeding curiosity with nostalgia. Familiarity itself, toxin to the tendrils, calmed the nerves somewhat; a glance at the watch, fuel to the flame, reminder of that yet to come, burned a path for new growths and new unease to creep in. What if? dominated thoughts as the worries grew and grew. Time remained to turn away but fallacy of cost sunk, a lifeline threw.

 

Moving ahead, picking up speed, before it forced more thoughts, focussed on destination, the world around lost and faded to blur; an owl. An owl snared the ankles, halting forwards momentum as time came for a second glance. The wrist did confirm what was already known. A beautiful creature, free to the world, tethered by crowded onlookers; under the grey light of day, the nocturnal majesty maintained grace and decorum though a feeling shared between observer and avian. Shaking it off, onwards went along a well walked path; although still anxious, twas mostly the future, for present only populous remained. Time had been kind to the city around them though it had not passed without note; buildings and colours once well liked, toned down to match the sky. The desire to run, to hide away, past the point of no return; mind still swirling with questions unanswered and thoughts unconfirmed and untrue.

 

Crossing from known to unknown, the last task ahead. A path across roads unsafe, parted by green men's guidance; waiting for his light to shine gave time to ponder questions new. Voice stolen, a hurdle cemented from a path tangentially related, wondering how to summit such a climb but final sands fell too soon. A window between, clear separation, both sides just as exposed, pacing along, waiting for answer till eventually patience failed. 

 

Deep breath.

 

The door gave a light chime as I stepped into the cafe; my heart raced at a mile a minute. The interior walked a fine line between cramped and cozy with tables and chairs aplenty; walls layered with art and acknowledgements of activities and groups that called it home. I approached the till, a wall knocked through, the kitchen visible behind; a kindly face beamed as the first of questions two were asked. Though it was one that had passed through my mind, it was asked in a way unprepared for. Rather than crossed arms, they opened before me and pointed me along my way. The second came exactly as thought and a glance at the menu gave me my answer; money exchanged, I took a chair and felt the vines fall too. Across from me, a face unknown but one equally inviting, torn from a book, we spoke for hours and again, the world became a blur; not out of rush, nor out of fear, or even lack of focus, but in that time, conversation ruled and a like-minded soul encountered. 

 

Eventually, the time came for us to part but we would meet again. For in that place, despite all the worry, I found community once again.