I’m floating, maybe falling.

I can’t tell anymore. It’s as if I’m drowning now.

Who are you? The child. Again?

I have to get out of here.

Why can’t I move?

Don’t come any closer!

Get away from me!

***

Clutching against the sheets of his scrappy bed, Ryacell opened his pale-green eyes and realized it was just another nightmare. He held his shaking hands above his face, wondering why each night seemed to get progressively worse.

Cling!

The sudden sound from the kitchen interrupted his thoughts, and he quickly sat up. He lived alone.

With great caution, Ryacell stepped out of bed and reached for the nearest object of possible defense in his poor excuse of a bedroom — a belt. When the scruffy boy crept out into the small hall, he smelled something sweet. He took note as he peeked around the corner.

Standing against the window of his kitchen was a tall hooded figure, much taller than Ryacell could take on in a fight. A silhouette of a grim reaper. An anxious child. Ryacell attempted at sneaking behind the intruder, but the wooden floors creaked. Defenses up.

Before the intruder could turn around, Ryacell tightened the belt around his fists and demanded, “Sand the track ya’ mutt!”

The intruder was still, a calm shadow.

Ryacell took a few steps forward, “Slowly raise your hands where I can see them!”

The intruder obeyed, their fair hands intertwined through the dawn.

Ryacell prepared himself, “Ya’ have one chance to go chase yourself before I soak ya’!”

“I’m sorry,” the intruder answered.

A female? Ryacell thought, still holding his stance.

The intruder gently turned, revealing themselves from their hood.

Ryacell fell to his knees at the sight of his infiltrator. No words could have escaped his mouth. His mind raced, however, as he thought to himself, She was even more beautiful in person.

Her golden blonde hair radiated against her burgundy ribbon tie, and her deep blue eyes looked down on Ryacell, but her smile was comforting. “I should’ve waited outside, but I wanted my arrival to be a surprise. My name is Saphire Creliz —”

“Spelled with one P! The adopted daughter of the Creliz family! I know!” Ryacell had already stood up to bow. He kept his head low, “I am so sorry for mah’ rudeness Miss! If I had known that it was you, then I —”

Saphire chuckled, “You don’t need to be so formal with me. I’ve brought breakfast platters for us if you don’t mind.”

Behind her were two perfectly arranged meals, much more plentiful than Ryacell has ever had in his entire life.

“I don’t mind at all! Everything’s fine!” Ryacell reached for the platters and brought them to his small dining table. “Allow me to help please.”

Ryacell pulled a chair out, and Saphire sat down saying, “Thank you Mister…”

“Ah! Ryacell. My name is Ryacell,” he sat down across from her. “I...don’t have a last name haha.”

He smiled awkwardly, scratching his head, realizing that his brown hair was a chaotic mess, strangely parting over his face from slumber. Embarrassed, he avoided eye contact and felt blood rush to his cheeks.

Saphire proceeded to eat with grace while Ryacell attempted to contain his elation. As they ate silently, the boy questioned to himself like any starstruck individual would. 

I can’t believe Saphire Creliz is in my house! Not only that, but the food she brought is crazy good! I don’t even know what it is! Is this one of her charity projects? Is that why she’s here? But how did she get in? I must’ve left the door unlocked, or maybe this place is so old that the lock is broken. I don’t care. I’m eating with Saphire Creliz!

“Ryacell,” Saphire finished her meal, “do you know when Joline will be arriving?”

Ryacell looked up at her. “Who?”

At this point, Saphire stared directly into Ryacell’s eyes. “Joline Nodalo. Doesn’t she live with you?”

Ryacell looked down at his plate. “Um, no. I’m sorry. I’ve been livin’ alone for a few years now.”

Saphire still locked her gaze at the nervous boy. “Really? You’re so young though.”

“My father used to live with me,” Ryacell folded his hands together, “but he left before the war began.”

“I apologize for your loss,” Saphire bowed her head.

Ryacell frantically flailed his hands out. “Don’t be! I don’t remember much about him anyway!”

Awkward silence. A nervous shuffle.

Finally, the cuckoo clock rang behind Saphire, causing Ryacell to shoot up from his seat. “Ah! I’m gonna be late!” He looked back at Saphire. “But I can’t leave ya’ here!”

“Don’t worry about me,” Saphire motioned her hand at him. “I’ll come visit another time.”

Ryacell gasped, “Really?!”

Saphire nodded with a smile.

Ryacell stumbled back into his room, changing into his usual clothing — an oversized white blouse, dark brown knickers, black socks, a small olive green vest with gold trimmings, a long burgundy tie, and a tan newsboy cap. He grabbed his beaten satchel before heading out.

Saphire waited patiently at the table.

As Ryacell tightened his boots, he called out, “I am so sorry ya’ couldn’t find your friend, but I swear I will help you!”

He took another look back at Saphire who waved back at him, making his cheeks flush again. After hauling out his bike from the closet door, Ryacell exited the apartment. He rushed down two flights of stairs before biking off into the distance.

A moment later, Saphire stepped out of the apartment, watching Ryacell ride through the street. She pulled out a key from her dress and locked the door behind her.