His silent call washed over her.
Follow me.
Follow me, Miranda.
I can end your pain, stop your suffering.
Follow me, Miranda.
Drawn forward by those steady grey eyes, and the sibilant whispering of his words in her mind, Miranda stepped forward into the alley, barely aware. A third of the way down iron steps snaked upward, into the night. He paused at the base. Waiting. Slowly, she ascended, drawn onward by that impenetrable gaze.
From the rooftop, they stood looking out over the University's Common Green, Grey Chapel towering in the background. October's half-moon cast it's silvery-color over all.
"My poor Miranda. You've suffered such pain." His hand caressed the side of her warm face as she turned, fitting her head to his cool palm. A soft sigh was his only answer.
"Would you like me to ease your pain, Miranda? Hmm? Remove it entirely, giving you the rest of oblivion? Or..." Pause. Grey eyes searched her face intently, "would you like me to give you a new life?" His hand slid beneath her hair to the soft skin of her neck, drawing her into him. Her hands, resting on his chest, detected no heartbeat singing beneath their touch. "Which would you wish of me, Miranda? You've only to ask...but you MUST choose."
Tentative.
Trembling.
Searching.
"Please. End it..."
With infinite slowness he leaned over her. Lips brushed mouth. Cheek. Neck., where he hesitated briefly. Miranda barely registered the pain as he sank into her flesh. Hands clutched at his shirt. She cried softly. Struggled briefly, futilely. Finally she collapsed against him. The roaring, pounding heartbeat all that was heard. A lightheadedness threatened to consume her.
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump
Thump, thump...
Gradually the hammering subsided as other sounds seeped into her awareness. Breath's soft ragged whisper. The gentle, sucking sounds at her neck. Miranda could feel his hand, holding her in place. His arm around her waist more intimate than any lover's sweet embrace.
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump...
Miranda’s heartbeat became fainter, fading towards nothingness as she fought against the dark curtain drawing in around her. Muffling her senses. She struggled in vain, blackness overtaking her, pulling her down. Down towards death.
The man lifts his head as she collapsed completely into him. Holding her upright a moment more, he contemplated the look of serenity on her face. Once more caressing her cheek with the back of his hand, he sank to the rooftop, drawing her onto his lap. Ah, Miranda, now it's time for you to choose. I wonder. Will you come back to stay with me awhile? The stranger bent over her again, grey eyes scrutinizing. A gentle kiss. Quickly biting his wrist, he lowered it to her death-parted lips. Come to me, my Miranda.
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page composed and copywrited by: Melinda
M. Fulk, 28 May, 1998. Comments?
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Last
revised and updated, 30 May 2005.