Fateless-Chapter 5

When he opened his eyes, the boy found himself in a hospital ward. Beds lined both sides of the room, but only one was occupied. He walked over to the bed and faced the woman who lay in it. Her face was wrinkled like old parchment, and rich chocolate color of her skin had faded to mud. Thin tubes slowly pumped liquid into even thinner veins.
Her eyes opened and focused on him. Her expression did not change as she noticed the black-clad boy at the foot of her bed. Usually, people were confused, terrified, or disbelieving at his image. The fact that this woman's blank face mirrored his own sent a mild shock through his chest. The two stared with eyes locked for a few seconds.
The woman spoke first. "Are you an angel? Have you come to take me away from this place?"
"An angel?" the boy asked. "I don't understand. What is an angel?"
"Oh," she said, her eyes lighting up as she imagined a scene, "They live in Heaven, in the sky, surrounded by pearly gates. They take missions from the Lord to help us lowly humans."
She stopped her description there. The boy dropped his gaze and his voice took on a saddened tone. "I'm sorry. I have seen no such Heaven, or talked to the Lord. I cannot be your angel." He raised his eyes and met her gaze again. "But I can take you away if you like."
"I think I would like that." Her gaze wandered as she spoke. "I'm sick of how my son-in-law abuses me. I was a pretty wealthy woman, and the only reason he keeps me alive is to collect my retirement income. I've lived a long time, and seen so much. But look at what my life has come to." She weakly waved her arms at the hospital room.
"If you're sure," the teenager said, drawing his shining sword from inside his robe.
"It's beautiful," the old woman said. She reached her weak, wrinkled hands out to the weapon. Not letting go of the hilt, he offered her the tip. She held onto the blade and carefully guided it to her chest, right over her heart.
"Ready?" the boy asked.
She nodded, and he pushed the sword forward into her chest. Her eyes closed and her arms fell slowly down to her sides. The cloaked figure withdrew his blade. No wound was inflicted on her chest or on her white hospital robe. "She looks so peaceful," the boy thought aloud. For the first time in his life, he felt confident about causing a death.

Reviews

[Kate Hunter]

interesting turn of events, that's for sure. well written.