The Flame & The Wings

A figure looms over the window, gazing at any passerby that might be in their line of view. A quiet lady, whose nose was deep in her own word, stops in front of said house. She felt as though someone was watching her every move. She pulled down her brown book and looked straight into the eyes of the shadow. Her body could not move from the fear that encased her mind.

Who is that person? Why are they staring at me?

Many questions flooded her brain as the two kept their stares. The moment broke when a jogger crossed paths. When she looked back towards the window once again, the figure was gone. Only a candle was left instead. She continued down the path once again. She wanted to leave that place behind her.

Days past and not a day goes by that the house was still in her mind. A feeling of wanting to know more encased her every thought. Her once fear turned into wonder. Wondering who was that person? Why are they there staring? What secrets does the house have to hide staying locked up, behind such tall bushes?

Even with her curios mind taking her every thought, she avoided the house. She didn't want her wondering to be gone with one action. She wanted to keep the wonder as long as she could. She lived in the fantasy of exploring the home behind the bushes. The house that holds the bright candle. Until one day, she finally took the chance she also wanted.

The night was cold and wind was howling. The young lady held onto her umbrella as tightly as she could. What she didn't hold onto was her hat. The hat crossed the gate and into the open crosswalk of the entrance of the house. She stood there staring at the hat, wondering if the trip was worth every step.

She was about to turn around when a creature with wings bigger than a rat, flew down and landed right on her hat. She looked at the creature with wonder, forgetting everything that she was walking into the unknown. The little creatures form became known. A small barn owl sat there staring at the woman as though it had a cheeky smile. The owl took the hat and flew inside the open door. The woman followed behind going into the dark, dry house.

Once inside, the world around her changed. The world was warm and inviting. The owl appeared once again, flying high towards the top of the inviting staircase. She soon followed in the trance of the flying creature.

Her mind wondered as her body continued into the house more.

Why am I following an owl? Why am I in the house? I should leave?

The owl stopped on top of the open door. The rusty door seemed that it could fall at the slightest touch. However, the owl stayed perched on the rusty door with ease.

The woman traced her fingers along the red walls towards the rusty door. The closer she got, the darker the room becomes. The walls starts to peel and bend with every step. The clicking echoes through the house. The woman finally realized how empty her world felt as she got closer. The air is stiff with every cold breathe.

She reached the door with fear encasing her every muscle. She could not move away from the pulling. All she could do was hope for the curse to stop.

"Let it take you. There is no fighting what is happening." The owl warned the girl.

Her ears could not believe that an owl was telling her to walk towards her ending doom. How a creature so small could be the last thing she sees of this world. A creature that was deemed calm turn into something of a beast.

She followed into the room. The room was dark, cold and empty. Only an dimly lit candle encased the area. The owl flew in getting the attention to the trapped woman. The beast landed on a post by the candle. the post makes the owl more of a man than beast. The beast looks her in the eyes as if calling her to come forward. She did as she was told and came closer to the candle.

The worst came as she stood by the candle. The light began to shine brighter with every step. The candle started to move with the wind. As the flames danced, the lady became its partner in the dance of life.

"You are my light." The smiling owl cheered.

Within seconds the girls body disappear and only the flame stays. The owl smiled at his work.

He looked out the window once more hoping to catch another soul for his wonderful candle.