Grey

I know it says short story, but this is more like a story idea.

 

The Color Grey

A short story by KC

 

            It cannot be said that I ever held any affection for the man. He was human, yes. One with memories and history and a youth, but it was as if he had sprang into existence the way I had known him; ancient and silver-haired and pale as the moon. As if he had been dreamt up at the exact moment I happened to need him. He was like a colorless sketch, moving and breathing but hardly seeming real. I suppose what drew me to him most was that he was the embodiment of the ridiculous name my parent’s gave me; Grey.

            He seemed ageless, with the kind of quiet grace that you took for granted until in less refined company. It gave me a funny feeling, being in the presence of one such as he. I felt paralyzed by his gaze, those queer gray eyes that perpetually bore into me. The back of my neck tingled, the hairs on my arm pricked up and I knew it was him. I knew he was watching me. I never turned, didn’t wanted to confront his piercing stare and perhaps see more than I wanted to in his eyes. But it never failed to surprise me how he could take so much interest in me. I must have been his favorite student, or else his biggest worry.

            I knew him only as Atticus. Whether that was his first or last name, or even a nickname I never bothered to ask. He was only a teacher. Only a teacher…

            I sensed the foolishness of that assumption even before the thought was fully formed. He was never just a teacher. He was my mentor, my guiding hand. It was him I went to when I needed an answer.

            But like him? Love him? No… I didn’t.

            I was frightened of him. Terrified he had probed my mind, and knew more about me than even I. My name was on his tongue before I could release it to him. My deepest desires were his personal knowledge before I even desired them.

            Mind-reader? I didn’t think so.