Peaceful.
Written by Wolsal
Content warning(s): Descriptions of dying, descriptions of struggling to breathe
Peaceful.
Though a near redundant observation, that was the only succinct way to describe it.
Peaceful.
It was silent- unpolluted by noise or crowds. But it wasn’t quiet. In a delicate soothing background chorus were the sounds of the night, frogs sung out into the fields- crickets and cicadas chirped a constant melancholic white noise, small critters scurried in the tall grass and wildflowers. It was a special song that only those who traversed the sunless fields would be honoured with the sound of.
The moon hung high in the sky like a lantern, cool glow gently brushing against anything that took solace under its light. There was a gentle breeze, glossing over the souls that dared walk the night’s domain.
He blinked- having lost himself once more in his mind. He let out a contented sigh, resting in a bed of grass and clovers, watching the stars above. So beautiful and bright, he could've sworn they were all looking down at him. A moth fluttered down onto his dress, taking perch on his chest.
Ever so gently he reached out a claw, placing it in front of the small fuzzy creature. He watched calmly as it climbed on, antennae wiggling at him. He let out a quiet laugh, gazing fondly upon the tiny thing.
“Hello there…” He cooed softly, watching as it seemed to inspect his palm with reluctant curiosity. “It’s alright little dear- I’m not gonna hurt you…” He smiled warmly.
He lifted his hand to his face- careful not to startle the bug on his hand. Despite his efforts, the moth took flight- disappearing clumsily into the night sky. He let out a soft sigh of disappointment, though he wouldn’t let a frightened moth perturb him.
He gently brushed his hand against some newly sprouted daisies, buds not having opened up to the world yet. Taking their time.
In the distance he spotted a figure in a long flowy purple dress- simply standing out in the fields, staring up at the moon. If he looked closer, he could almost see her looking the other way. Directly at him. But if he stopped his close examination, she seemed to be looking into the sky as she was before. The moon.
He closed his eyes. He could hear a nearby stream- water pattering down as it took its journey to wherever it may end. He could hear soft splashing- animals traversing the gentle brook.
He took a deep breath in- smile loosely spread on his face. He let out a contented hum, taking in another deep breath-
“Zalam-”
His breath caught in his throat- he couldn’t complete his inhale.
“Zalam!”
The warm breeze began to transform into a stale chill- air polluted by the thick scent of mildew and filth.
“ZALAM!”
His eye snapped open- gasping loud enough to almost startle himself. His breathing was too quick- heart feeling like it would explode.
“ZALAM PLEASE! PLEASE GODS ANSWER ME!” A voice pleaded from beyond the wall. He could tell she’d been crying.
He forced in a painful breath, entire body aching. “M-er-” He wheezed out, feeling his leg involuntarily jolt out. He couldn’t lift his arms or move his legs. He felt so, so heavy…
“P-PLEASE JUST- JUST HOLD ON YOU- YOU’LL BE OK-” The voice yelled back, frantic movements audible from his neighbouring cell.
“Mer-ry- please-” He choked out, voice almost a whimper. He inhaled sharply, suddenly once more feeling that warm, calming breeze.
He could almost hear the song.
He could almost feel the flowers.
“I love yo-u dear…” He whispered out, voice suddenly calmer. He could barely hear the sobs coming from next door.
He let out a weak wheeze, eyelid drooping. “Stay-y safe…” He croaked out before his eye slipped shut- finally allowing the siren call of the pale moonlit fields to bring him home.
There was a final gasp before all went silent- no more pained breathing, no more gasps and wheezes and coughs, no more soft spoken words of comfort, it was simply silent.
Outside of the tiny windows of the cells was a dark night sky. Though the day was known to be a new moon, it still almost felt like even the moon ducked away to grieve.
Peaceful.