Dimly lit by the glow of the streetlamps, Viewford Avenue stood silent. The street was lightly littered with drops of rain, forming puddles within the dips of the pavement. The walkways were bumpy, yet textured with intent, as if flowing like silk atop weathered stone, the paving was worn down after years of use. Every crack, bump and etching, purposeful, embraced through the light from the lanterns, yet if not for the light bulbs that were put in recently, the streets would be close to pitch black, with almost nothing but the shine of the low hung moon, which was bright, even through the few gaps in the clouds. The buildings surrounding him looked old and worn, vines hung low from them, entangled around the uneven surface of bricks, however, they had still had their beauty to them, as if having been cared for throughout their time. Big beautiful windows emitted soft, yellowish light that scattered lightly across the street, and the shadows from strangers in their own lives, seemed to dance across the rays, giving unknowning looks into love filled lives. Viewford street was a middle class area, expensive, and beautiful in design, yet not overly elegant in its design.
The drains, few and far between, lined the road seemingly filled up with rainwater that flooded the passageway for cars, giving a steady decline to the traffic in the avenue. It was close to midnight; at this time of night it was as if this was only a place where the souls of the lonely would wander, giving home to the ghosts in people's minds. The emptiness was soothing, yet also unnerving. Viewford Avenue was known to be a very busy street, although not so much at night, you could still see old couples, or small groups of the youth walking around; perhaps taking in the bliss of the quiet night, or merely exploring the endless stretch of mystery that seemed to fill the gaps in the echoes of the night.
Tap, Tap, Tap
Through the emptiness of the broken moonlight, there could be heard the sound of a single man walking amongst the street. Percival walked slow, his posture making him seem as if he was of importance. He had wavy black hair, the messiness hidden by the gaze of shadows. His eyes were a shimmering green, whos sight was almost enchanting. Percival wore a white button up shirt, although drenched, you could still see the dirt and muck covering the silk. He wore slender black slacks, reaching down to his shoes, which were littered with holes and breaks close to his knees. His eyes narrowly pointed ahead, seemingly pulled by the gravity of something of significant importance.
Percival looked forward, although his focus wasn't really aimed there; he had lost his only form of income 2 months ago. Unable to even afford an umbrella to keep the rain at bay, Pervicals savings had slowly dwindled, failing him when he needed them. There was now only enough to afford his last week of rent, leaving him to tend his garden of thoughts. His parents had kicked him out a year and half earlier, he had to find his own way through his struggles. His work ethic was solid, yet his demeanour and manner of speaking had made people uncomfortable. Both customers and co-workers alike. For Percivals only redeeming quality seemed to be in his inhuman intelligence.
Even after looking through all the job offers that were in the newspaper, I haven't been able to find a place that will accept me. They find me too forward or too educated. Although I'm not opposed to looking into something more in that field, ever since I got kicked out of home I haven't been able to finish my studies. Therefore I have no validation for a higher paying job. If I'm to find a job I need to look elsewhere. Should I start asking shop owners if they're looking for staff? I haven't exactly got a reliable history. I worked at the coffee shop for a couple months, and then there was the warehouse but... arghh. That won't be nearly enough to exhibite my skills. If I can't find a job soon, then - no, don't think about that. You'll find something soon enough, you just have to keep looking.
The street had shifted, suddenly becoming narrow in his vision, the silence had become almost deafening, unnerving. The sound that had seemed to eminate from the downpour around him mere seconds ago, had suddenly come to a stop. The same could be said for the thoughts that had rushed Percivals mind previously.
The only thing that could be made out in the bright light, was the figure of a man, who's posture made him seem like he was of much importance. Long wavy hair, and clothed in a white button up shirt still drenched from the downpour of the rain, standing still.
Percival had known from the moment he locked eyes with the forthcoming light, that the road had not been completely empty tonight, as he had once thought. He was standing on a pedestrian crossing, yet his light to signify his crossing was okay, was red. He crossed anyway.
I had thought with how little traffic and all the rain, I wouldn't have any problems if I just crossed now. Was I too caught up that I forgot to look? Did I just run myself straight into a manslaughter? It's too late to regret my choices.
Unable to move from his spot, Percival had known from the bottom of his heart what was about to happen to him. He closed his eyes, preparing for the inevitabilty of the clash with an iron beast.
Everything had once again gone silent. The rain felt as if it had stopped in its decent. He had imagined this moment multiple times. Many thoughts ran tracks through his mind.
Would they have been happy? Would they read the paper in the morning pretend it never happened? Would they have shed tears? Would they give me a funeral? A proper burial? Or would I be left to rot and wither away on the side of the road?.
After what had felt like more than an eternity to Percival, he opened his eyes, only to be greeted with the bright light that seemed to have burnt itself into his retina. Yet it wasn't coming closer, it was frozen. As if it had been grasped and held in place by some ethereal force.
The fear in his eyes welled up, his pupils dilated. Percival hadn't been struck, and yet his heart had felt as if it stopped beating, as if the blood pumping through his body had come to a halt. Did I do this? No I must be dead. Perhaps the afterlife is an eternal glance at your final mistake. A reminder that one small mishap can cause the world to stop around you.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Percival looked up, his eyes fixating on the silhouette of a woman, long hair and a thin figure, with an umbrella in hand, walking at a faster pace than Percival had, but still slow in comparison to those who walked these streets normally. Each step she took seemed purposeful. She gazed towards Percival, eyes locked into his own.
"My my, aren't you an interesting one. I never truly expected to see another one of us out here. You became so drowned in your own thoughts you couldn't even perceive your own death around the corner." She giggled, as if she had more to add but held it back. "Wait.. aren't you?.." stammering across her words, pausing to give herself time to think." No, that doesn't matter. Regardless, you should watch where you're going. If you have your mind floating in the clouds all the time you may find trouble like this again. Or maybe.. it'll find you"
Without saying another word, she walked towards Percival, lifting her finger, rings wrapped tightly around each one. She brought her hand closer. He tried to move back, but his legs wouldnt move an inch. He could no longer control his own body. She gently poked the tip of her nail on Percivals chest.
Whoosh-
Thump!
Percival flew back and landed on his backside on the corner of the road. He had blinked and in a flash the mysterious lady had dissapeared. He glanced in every possible direction, without any success of finding the mysterious woman who was just in front of him. He noticed that the truck had flown by too, leaving him alone once again in the silent avenue. The only proof that she had existed was the small hole in his shirt, where her nail had touched his chest. Percival was both unharmed and with his life intact.