Nyla-
Any minute now. The cat clock above my bed meowed noisily as its paws struck 3:30 pm.
I settled into the armchair, sinking slowly into the worn leather. A knock sounded from the hallway door. He was right on time as usual. I set down my teacup and started towards the entrance to my quarters. My hand grasped the handle and opened the oak door. He stood in a worn flannel button-up with light blue jeans and a pair of white converse. He smiled easily and stepped into the room when I bade him to enter.
He sat in the weathered armchair, leaning back casually. I tried not to stare. I always found myself swept up in his gaze. His eyes were a mystery to me; not a definite color. Sometimes they appeared the dark blue of the midnight sky, sparkling with dazzling stars. Other times the endless, smooth gray of a winter day. He said the color depended on the lighting.
I handed him a teacup of herbal tea drizzled with honey and squirted with fresh lemon. I took my own cup in hand, immersing myself into the wafting steam that curled about my face. I used to drink coffee, but he said it was bad for the mind and soul. Too much of one flavor, he said, tea was the flavor of the earth.
"How have you been?" He asked, focusing his eyes on me. Today they melted into the lively green of a spring meadow flecked with the golden rays of the sun.
I hated that question. I never wanted to trouble another with my worries and difficulties, but at the same instant I wished to relieve the crushing stress of my thoughts. He was different though. He wasn't just "another."
"Worrying." I decided to say.
"The end of this, whatever it is." I gripped my cup harder, feeling the warmth seep to my palms and fingers.
"Time will take its own course. Rest your worries and fears on me." he took a deep sip of his tea.
"We have to act soon, before they do. We can't just sit back and wait for the world to fall apart!" I slammed my mug down on the side table.
"It already has." Just as calmly as before, he rested his gaze on me. I felt myself relaxing but refused to allow the fire inside me to die.
"Then what are we waiting for? An opportunity? Because we've seen plenty pass us by!" I shouted incredulously.
"An opportunity of a sort."
The clock meowed and he got to his feet.
"Another time perhaps? I must go.Thank you for the tea." he handed me the cup, "nothing like an afternoon tea. Don't give me that look, Nyla."
He set his hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eye. The gold flecks in the meadow irises had faded to the warm rays of the afternoon sun.
"As the era of the middle ground fades, listen closely, dream big, hold your tongue, and stay on track. A word to the wise: great things come to those who wait. The opportunity will come very soon."
"What will we do when it does?"
The clock meowed again. The cat's eyes swinging back and forth insistently. I watched the hands strike 4:00 pm. The door clicked shut and he was gone.
I glanced back at the clock and it meowed playfully as if singing to me, "No answers, no answers. A mystery with no answers."
"Curiosity killed the cat." I retorted to the song.
Suddenly, a knock came from the door. It wouldn't be him. He never returned twice in a day. I straightened my blouse. I wouldn't allow the confusion and worry to show in my expression.
"Any trouble in here, Nyla? We heard you were talking to some one." The woman was slender and wore her brown hair in a french braid down her back. She was dressed plainly, the same outfit all female attendants wore: a grey blouse with a black pencil skirt. No makeup except for the bright swipe of red lipstick that always appeared to be delicately applied. Her eyes were the same color. Never changing, always a dull brown. Everyday, all day, the attendants wore the same clothing, expression, tone, and name.
"Just myself Ms. Wright. Only myself." I looked her in the eye with an unwavering stare.
"Would you like to remind yourself of your purpose?" She asked.
"I have no purpose. I was born a mistake in a world of purpose. I only live because of the kindness the House of Wright has shown to me." I recited stiffly in an even voice.
"Excellent. That will be all for today." She turned on her heel and left the room briskly, leaving me alone to the roaring sound of my thoughts.
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