Ravaged remains

Chapter 2

Three knocks. 

''Amelia, it's Elizabeth. Can I come in?' A gentle voice spoke, breaking the silence.

''Beth!'' I said, not even trying to hide my overwhelming joy.

It was a long time since I've seen Elizabeth Bowes and it seemed like the cold air had finally gotten to her. 

''Oh, Amelia. I've got so much to tell you.'' Her eyes shined as she looked at me. 

''I'll prepare some tea.'' I said, but I couldn't hide my excitement. 

Elizabeth was a dear friend I met a long time ago and an ambitious traveller. She had already visited a good half of the world while I was just a child. She was the main reason why my father finally let me go outside and visit other countries, learn about different cultures and, most of all, the reason why I became who I am today. She's always had some interesting stories to tell, wonderful stories about her trips to places of unimaginable beauty, and - danger. 

She was always so lively, so strong. But now she looked like she was breaking down.

''So tell me, Amelia, what's new with you?'' She said, carefully sipping her tea. 

At first, I thought she was joking. Beth knew exactly what was new, and I could see it in her eyes. 

''I can't leave this house.'' 

''I know. but, if you'd just listen to me-'' She started waving her arms around, her eyes couldn't hide her desperation. 

''Beth, it's okay. I'm all right. See? I'm fine.'' I showed her my hands and she looked relieved for a second. 

''I'm sorry. I was just worried, the news said-'' She stopped for a moment and put her hands over her eyes. 

''I'm not like those people.'' I said. 

I could understand why she was worried, I really could. But she also understood my worries - she knew it was useless to convince me because I already made my decision a long time ago. I made my bet with death that day and I've lived just fine. 

I'm still alive.

But to Elizabeth it was like talking to a suicidal maniac.

I thought about that and Beth was still sitting silently.

I turned my eyes to the window and the sight outside. They watered as I felt sorrow for all of the people that had to see this, all the countless lives that had to live through this. My life was just one of those lives and for the first time ever, I felt that prison bars would be a better sight than this rotten world.

And for the first time ever, I wished I could cry.

But I couldn't.