#chapterwriting

Chapter 1: The Boys Call of Sonder

Sonder [Sohn-deer]: The realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own

That man was truly odd. Maybe he's crazy? I thought.

"He was nice though I'll give him that."

I'd rummage through my finds and what that dusty old man gave me. A bag of coins, some of his rations, and a new cloak...? "This man must be truly insane." I'd mumble as I'd throw my hood back over my head, knowing people are looking at me with such dirty glares, at a child too. How pitiful of them.

I'd duck through the familiar alleyways and through the forest where I usually lived.

The closest I'll have to a home afterall, I can't risk my safety for a temporary comfort afterall. That seems almost idiotic to wonder if there is such a thing as a home for me. Afterall it would take some time before he figures out about my criminal markings. Then he'll stop, and throw me out just like all the rest of those snobby, unforgiving, beastly and cruel adults.

"Maybe he's different..?"

The boy mulled over that thought and slapped himself.

"No cassian, no one is different. People are beings of habit, that man is no different than the rest."

I'd would then pack my things back into the bag, not wanting to risk more than what was unexpected and unnecessary noise making, afterall. One wrong noise and my whereabouts were to be exposed to the public eye more than already. I don't need that.

I'd begin to trail through the alleyways, the backroads, and horse tracks I could follow. But it all led me back to the village I still hate, what a ripoff. So with that thought, why don't I grab a drink? I'd think, slipping into the local pharmacy. With a knock or two, I'd slide in. Coming face to face with the long dwindling hallway, each step being cautious I'd emerge into the dark room that reeked of booze and underpriced food, only being lit up by the burning fire at the back of the bar. The goal of food and booze, as much as a necessity it already was right now, what's the worst that can happen?

"What can I get you?"

The man spoke, it was the same man from last night. He had his back turned to me, he shouldn't recognize me with this mask right?

I'd shutter at the thought and slotted myself into the stool, and spoke. An attempt to sound confident I suppose.

"A....A water will do sir."

I came here to get wasted, not sober.

I'd mentally choke myself as the man stood silent for a moment as he seemed to peer over his shoulder at me. When he spoke, all I could recognize and compute was his voice. The same deep and gruff, yet soft and stern. It was the same man from last night. He had his back turned to me. He shouldn't recognize me with this mask, right? Is he always that scary looking? What when did he get that tall? Does he recognize me? Did I mess up, oh gods. Why does he smell like iron and pine? Why is he so close? Wait, why is he moving away now. What is he up to? What is he going to do to me?

"That all you want today?"

The man filled up a glass carefully and slid it in front of me. Oh, thank gods. I almost shit myself, and a relief he doesn't recognize me.

"Yeah that'll be all, thanks."

The man then sat in his chair, cleaning the glasses and bottles. Not too long after he began to hum a broken melody, it sounded broken coming from him anyways.

He needs to tune his voice. Is he deaf? This man can't sing a good tune if a proper choir shows him a good melody, but it's soothing...

I wonder why he served me... Didn't he figure I'm a kid or something? Maybe I should be more cautious of him. He might actually know what he's doing. Sneaky scoundrel, just like all the other adults. Does he think im a dwarf? I'd think.

I'd finish my glass, pay, and quickly evacuated the premises. It became night so quickly. Who would've known a glass of water would've taken that long.

I'd quickly slip out of the pharmacy, bumping into a few people, but enough to nab a few wallets and cover my tracks.

Looks like I'm eating good tonight.

Afterall the night had more to offer to those who thrive on it.

The morning came, what a shocker. It seemed dimmer than usual, weird... seems it's going to rain after all.

I'd dig out that cloak that man gave me, it was big, a little heavy but it seems it'll do for now. How did he get something this good of quality, and in my size? He's such a weird guy, more than weird, he's borderline creepy. Oh well, at least this gets me warm enough for now.

Looking around and taking in the scene before me, it was just sad. Drizzling rain,the smell of wet grass and pine, and the faint smell of iron. Knowing me, I became curious. Where was the metallic smell? Who was the source? That made me question my own senses.

The smell only seemed to die down after the rain began to pour.

Well, looks like today's going to be such an amazing day.

I'd pat around, grabbing my bag and held it close as I watched the rain. Letting the cold yet comforting smell and familiar feeling of the pouring rain welcome me to the new home I call my own within the trees, the water now seeping through my clothes I began to shiver, the sounds began to defeat the senses of being on guard

The cold sensation and the feeling of warmth seemed to battle against eachother as I laid under the tree, until not long after I felt a pair of arms pick me up, strong and warm, welcoming arms. It felt... Nice for once. Before long, I'd slowly begun to drift off, I guess the warmth is welcomed...