At night I listen to the sound of the animals… the shrieks together form the bones of the orchestra that serenade my heart. The constant drumming of the rain outside pounds out an accompanying beat to my ears.



I lie on the bed with my eyes closed. Enveloped in the comforting darkness. Whether I am still dreaming im not sure. I still feel her presence near me. Her cold gentle hands around me as I lie on this wooden slab. Her sweet warm breath on my neck as she sleeps so peacefully. Her loving heart that beats for me alone.



Thunder rolls outside and I wearily sit up on the bed. As good as rest will do me, I don't think there is much point anymore. I long to be back in her arms and away from the madness that seems to have followed me like a shadow everywhere I go. I glance around my dank chamber and note that the other bed in the room is, for the first time, occupied. I cannot see much but I can see their bare silhouette.



A match flares in the corner and I watch, intrigued upon having another join me in this time of remembrance, as he lights a cigarette and drops the match dead to the floor. My sweet shadows return, only now hampered by the faint orange glow from the figure smoking in the corner. Outside the large cast iron bell chimes the hour… midnight. The longest hour.



I watch in quiet awe as the light dances in the darkness. Glowing brighter than any star for moments before seemingly launching itself a foot or so away and dying gently.. almost like a firefly in its last days…only…



Maniacal laughter now fills my ears. Its source I cannot pinpoint but I know it is nearby. Outside maybe.. The echo bounces off the walls and my hands move to cover my ears. a single loud crack silences it as quickly as it began. The only sound to return is the sound of the rain.



The "firefly" across the room dances one final time, appearing even more majestic than ever as its light dies.. never to be rekindled. A soft voice follows this tragedy.



"Eventually they will find a cure for the human condition, until then we are the damned."



A faint laugh seems to follow. I close my eyes once again. The rain beating down outside feels as if it is drumming on my very soul. The sound of another match sparking flickers my eyes open. I turn and manage to catch a second-long glimpse of my companion. He looks about 30, scaring over one of his eyes.



"you talk about her in your sleep.. she must have meant the world to you.."



I close my eyes tightly to try to ignore him and his fireflies. what business is my life to him. Another fucking judge of circumstance armed with a subconscious jury of contempt.



"Childhood sweethearts.." he seems to pass a laugh "..you don't see that often these days"



I sit up and glare as best I can through the gloom to see him. Useless I know but Im willing him to stop talking. That same amber fairy, dancing to and from his mouth, with that sweet sweet poison.



"I know it seems pointless now, but humour an old man. What happened?"



I decide to give in to this pathetic wreck of a man. What would it matter in a few hours?



I recant the story of how we met, how I used to tease my love at school. How I used to dream about seeing her every single day. how we used to hunt together. How I used to soak my hands in the blood of animals id killed and run my fingers over her pale skin, making her look like a tribal princess… I told of how we came to start courting, of how we knew we were destined to be. Of how much she loved it when I would wrap my arms around her on those bitterly cold winter nights. Of the days when all that mattered was each other.



"She sounds quite a women, where is she now?"



I don't know if he was being sarcastic. He didn't sound it but he must have been able to tell by now.. My love was no longer a part of my existence despite how my dreams were still haunted by her.



He seemed to pick up on the silence…



"..Im sorry.. "



I lie back of the bed and close my eyes. His presence seems comforting of sort.



She means the world to me still…



"do you want me to leave you to your dreams?"



I smile and feel complied to thank him. he can do no more good for me. The memories in my mind now are those of beauty, love and affection that only two people can share.



The metallic clunk as the door opens followed by the rattle of closing. I close my eyes and think of her.



The pale skinned goddess that I had the pleasure of being in wedlock to. The girl of my dreams. The angel of my heart.



The metal clangs once again.. Although I cant see him I feel his presence standing in front of me.



"its time"



I get up off the bed and feel my way along the wall until I reach the door. There is light outside that burns my eyes due to their long period in darkness



As I walk along the torch-lit corridor leading to the courtyard my mind is still focused on her. I can feel her presence around me. As if when I reach the courtyard she will be there to welcome me home. To kiss me and let me apologise for my moods lately.



We reach the small stone courtyard; my accomplice leads me towards the opposite wall. The rain has stopped for now but the wind was bitter against my skin. He offers me the black cloth. I shake my head. I briefly gaze to the small gathered crowd and see my betrothed. Clad in black. Tears have streamed her beautiful face,.. my friend offers the last prayer. He unclips his dog collar and kisses me on the forehead.



"…farewell.."



My dreams return.. only now more vivid. I see her eyes. So Frightened… The image of Tom, my closest friend in all the known world, lying under me. Arms flailing as my fingers push through his eyes into his skull. Hearing her screams in my ears.. her sweet voice yelling at me to stop. Begging me.. Pleading with me..…I feel the cold sensation as I gripped my flintlock. I feel the kick as I pull the trigger. I hear the satisfying crunch as the steel ball punches through his skull. . I feel his heartbeat slow and stop as I hold him in my arms.. I see my eyes focus on the naked whore in the corner. I feel betrayed.



"Firing Squad!! "



How long had it gone on for?



"Ready!!"



Would she ever forgive me?



"Aim!!"



What is really left to hope for?



"Fire!!"