the Girl

She wandered through the bramble and thickets, vines and wildflowers tangled in her hair. She could sense her destination and her pace quickened, unheeding of the stones and wild thorns that caught her legs and stuck in her shoes.

Pushing aside the low hanging branch of a tree the orphan girl smiled at her discovery. A cry of excitement and happiness broke from her mute lips and she hurried onward, across the wild grasses.

Skipping up the creaking steps she ran a hand along the rail, unaware of the peeling paint. She peered through a dusty window and stepping away she clapped her hands with child like glee.

Tentatively opening the door she smiled as it welcomed her with its’ aged voice. A moth fluttered by, wings brushing her cherub face. Her wild eyes crinkled with delight, going from room to room, exploring everything with tireless delight.

She peered into a mirror, positioned above a vanity, with curiosity and with a start drew closer. She stretched out her hand at the strange creature and it in turn did the same. She could feel the cool, smooth surface, dusty on her fingers when she sharply jerked away. Curiosity dominating any fear, she boldly stepped forward and smiled brightly. The thing in turn did the same. She grinned even more, chuckling. As the creature did the same, she started laughing, the image doing the same.

Jumping up and down she paused and touched her face. The image copied the gesture and her eyes widened in awe. She spun around, playing childish games with the flying dust and buzzing insects.

Losing interest with the odd image she picked up an ornate brush, running her fingers over the bristles and handle. Replacing it on the vanity, she sat on the plush material and smiled at its softness. She picked up one of two pieces of enlarged cloth and marveled at its' density and plushness.

Replacing it as well she hopped off the bed and ascended the stairs, frowning when it groaned its’ pains to her. She made a soft, sympathetic noise, running a hand over the banister, laughing as the dust tumbled down, catching fragments of light through a broken window.

Opening several more rooms and exploring them to their extent she picked up a toy horse and shrieked with delight. She ran around the room, waving the horse in her tight clutch with one hand, the other dancing of it’s own accord. Setting down the horse with surprising care, she slipped on a large, moth eaten gray jacket, trundling around the room. The coat easily dragged on the floor, the sleeves likewise dangling near her feet.

Removing the coat she laughed as a rat scampered across the floor, pausing to sniff the air and look at her, beady eyes calculating. The girl smiled and made a guttural noise, deep in her throat, watching with amusement as the furry creature scampered away, tail dragging behind him like a piece of fleshed out wire.

She opened the last door to find it almost empty. A dusty window was adorned with velvet curtains, the deepest scarlet. They hung from the ceiling, twisted with thin white veils, black tassels swinging with a gently breeze.

Moving through the room, lifting the corners of the slightly tattered materials she smelled the thick scent of honey suckle and lavender on the air. Wide blue eyes, flecked with blue rested on the rickety frame of a chair.

It was old, partially rotten and obviously falling apart. The rain and sun, dust creating a thick layer of gray, weathered the seat. Its spindly legs were holding together by will power alone, a nail visibly wedging out of its’ socket.

She proceeded through the room as one might an ancient cathedral, paying homage to a holy and surreal God with power unimaginable.

She approached the chair and ran a youthful hand over its dusty seat a smile tugging at her lips. For hours she spent her time in the dusty, creaking room running fingers over the velvet curtains and playing with the swinging tassels.

Soon the sun began to set and the girl paused in her mute romping to stare out the open window with wonder. The sky was painted with reds and oranges, fading into lavender and blue. She could see the stars begin to appear as the sun faded from sight and a light breeze dance over the forest’s tree tops. The branches swayed and rocked to nature’s silent lullaby.

Leaving the room and creeping down the stairs the girl took one last look around her before closing the front door firmly behind her. She could smell the grass and midnight air, feel the insects as they buzzed around her in the moonlight.

Leaping over brambles and stones the girl disappeared into the forest, laughing at the shadows.