Ali!

Alison Roberts

This day was just like any other. The mid summer day was ever so hot, owing to the sun blasting never-ending rays of heat. As she climbed up the stairs leading to her apartment, streams of sweat were flowing on her forehead. "Almost there," she thought as she paid no heed to the droplets almost dripping into her eyes. Taking more effort than usual, she was able to unlock the door and got into her apartment. Tired, she walked over to her couch and sat there for a moment with her eyes closed, relishing the cool breeze from the air-conditioner.

Realizing her mouth was a little dry, she pour herself a glass of water. Even though she was thirsty, she couldn't help but notice the rainbow that had formed in her water glass. Little things like this unbeknownst to the human minds are what we called miracles. Things that form the greater mysteries of life, like how was the universe formed? or Is there a God? Not that she was ignorant of how rainbows are formed, but the fact that the little gap between the curtains that allowed the sunlight through such a certain angle and direction that allowed the formation of one in her glass is what bemused her. Minutes passed before she finally summoned her consciousness to lift that glass of water and pour it into her mouth. She felt a split-second of ecstasy as the cool and refreshing water touched her lips. "This is why delayed gratification can be so amazing. Again, another small miracle of life."

She looked at the clock and the time keeper suggested that it is time for her shower because practice will begin soon. She nodded in agreement and proceeded to the bathroom. Once she was done, she checked her reflection with her body-length mirror and nothing significant had changed. Perhaps her hair has grown a quarter inch longer, perhaps it hadn't, she couldn't be sure. Either way, there is no time to ponder over such trivial matters. There are things to be done. She  meticulously went through her purse to make sure she had everything by going over a little list in her head. This habit of hers is like a mantra that never fails to keep herself in check.

"Phew," with a relieving sigh, she put on her red velvety boots, and left her cozy haven. Despite the hot afternoon, the night was a tad chilly. She was glad that she wore a scarf as a part of her attire.

Her emotional state was calm and neutral though the streets do seem a tad deserted. Not that it should be bustling with people on a Thursday night but the occasional laugh, usually echoed by the surrounding buildings was always comforting.

"No going back now," thought Alison. Being mindful of her steps, she made her way through to Memorial Union without any mishaps. She might have greeted  a couple of people along the journey, nobody significant. The color prism of lights was fading as she walked and she could tell that her destination was not much further...only a small dark path under the trees to go through.

A recent string of robbery cases around this area put her on high alert that she need to divert her full attention to the surroundings. As she approaches the path, a gust of wind blew her scarf almost 100 feet forward. Bending down to pick up, she realized where she was. Underneath the final street lamp, she sees herself between the great divide between civilization and the netherworld. From the light side, she could smell the familiar aroma of fresh brewed coffee mixed with the latest pop-music while the direction she is heading offered nothing but a grey, colorless world. The pathway looked more menacing than ever now that she is only 2 steps away.

For once, she was scared. The little daredevil that would put her own bodily safety during her rehearsals was afraid of the darkness before her. She was never fearful of the lack of light, but the uncertainty that she is about to face made her froze. She can not decide if she should proceed.

“He who fears will suffer, he already suffers from his fear.” she recalls from Michel de Montaigne. Clutching her purse, she braced herself and went rushing into the "abyss". For a moment, the moonlight flickered on her boots as she crosses the line. The cold air feels harsh on her lungs but she can't stop herself from running until an icy sensation ran down her spine. Her feet feels heavy and her head is spinning. Catching her breath she peered upwards towards the source of the chilling touch. Expecting an unearthly being, she simply sees droplets of water dripping down the leaves from the rain before. She studies the dripping motions of the water until the giant moon juxtaposed behind the silhouettes grabs her attention. Her breath became regular and when her eyes got used to the darkness, the orange tint from the moonlight bestowed some color to her grey surroundings. At this very moment, her heart beat was palpable yet she felt a complete sense of calmness enveloping her existence. 

 

"To think that a person can be frozen by both fear and beauty, life is curious indeed!" 

 

She continued her journey towards the Union on time and practiced her dance moves one final time before the big day. When rehearsal was done, she went back through the same path to return home, but this time with companions. All they did was look at the gigantic moon and exclaimed while Ali grinned in silent. 

 

 Thank for Ali for spending her time with me! This took way too long but I'm glad I was able to finish writing! I would like to take this chance to congratulate Ali for her Taipei scholarship. You'll do great Ali! 

 

Also, thank you all for reading!