thirteen. wait
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An affectionate blanket of powdered snow lay peacefully across the school's courtyard, although dented
with the unrelenting boots of countless students, the matured ice crystals endured. I resigned within
the sharpened shade, abstractly contemplating youthful children frolic through the snow as white plumes
danced before me after each breath. Flames shuddered in the corner of my eye, and I captured a glimpse
of the subdued, blazing wavy curls atop Valerie's head from across the courtyard, her hand fervently
clasping the woollen fingers that belonged to the boy. An excruciating yet vigorous pulsating began to
reverberate from deep within my chest. My mind, void of all consciousness and logic, unwittingly allowed
my instinct to envelop my thoughts, growing stronger and stronger, harmonising with the throbbing of my
beating heart until it was all manifested in the form of a singular whisper.
"Wait."
It was as inaudible as a mosquito's wingbeat, yet the boy's angular head turned despite everything. Despite
the sun. His eyes, as if fuelled with a desire that shone with the light of a thousand stars, incandesced like
a prolonged lightning strike across the bleached courtyard, soaring closer and closer until - it dissipated.
The desire vanished, and his charred irises were relit with the luminescence of Valerie's scintillating candle.
"Case, go on ahead, I'll catch up."
Valerie's vibrant voice immaculately matched her charming smile as he nodded submissively and continued
walking. I sat, rigid, on the bench as I struggled to resolve the event that occurred just moments ago,
violently shaken to the core and disconcerted at how to reorganise my disarrayed emotions. Suddenly,
Valerie's exemplary smile morphed into a turbid mien of displeasure, flickering grey eyes scorching with such
intensity that was so viciously intent on burning my wings.
Leave.
But I refused.
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