The Jazz Man was something of an icon in Helrit City. He was known to be within the subway stations between Adam and fifth, jamming out on his tawny colored Saxophone with his long dreaded hair that swung back and forth as he rocked his head. He normally wore a psychedelic colored shirt that contrasted against his skin which was a few shades darker than hers. In her eyes, it made him look like a piece of art that constantly stood in front of the pale sea green walls that were once bronze.

     People regularly tossed coins and bills into his tin cup, entertained by his jazz rendition of modern day songs and his personality. He was loud, carried a heavy Louin accent, and titled people by their characteristics and smart. He knew a lot about music, and about the world and she considered herself lucky having to come across him.

     He taught her many things about music and about the unknown. The Unknown, being the world itself for she didn’t know much about it other than what Acosta taught her. She bumped into him a year and a half ago when she first arrived in the city after departing from the parade where everyone had tattoos on their bodies and weird nicknames. That was probably one of the best times of her life but she had to move on. Staying fixed in one area was dangerous. Not only for her but for the people around her as well. She remembered the day she left those she called “Family” clearly.

     She had done it many times before. Leaving those she called “Family” and each time, it became harder and harder. So when she arrived in Helrit she was lost, mentally and physically, and wondered through the city like a marionette without strings. It was until, she overheard two women talking about going to go see The Jazz Man and became curious. She wanted to ask, but couldn’t. Communicating with others was difficult. If she didn’t have an instrument that can convey her emotions, speak to them with through by voice of sound, they never understood what she was trying to tell them and it didn’t help she wasn’t able to write. 

     Instead of trying, she just waited until they were finished up with their conversation and stalked them to the subway. She thought they were going to notice some ragged faux human trailing behind but no. And boy, was she happy about her decision for it meant, she wouldn’t have to be alone anymore like she used to be. Alone with the dark, the demons who hated her, and her wild thoughts.

     “With” being her word choice, for her place of solitude was nothing but dark. It held sunshine from a rather large window that allowed her to see freedom, but could never touch it. She saw the beautiful sky, the tips of the tall evergreen trees and nothing more. It was a moving painting, day in and day out. But after a while, although the sun radiated and the moons light bathed her body, it was still…dark.