Where it all began

New days and old

Radiant ripples ebbed along the torn-up carpet at the window edge, obscuring the previously visible colours that had slightly faded away.

A mild draft pushed the curtains aside, and a coldness seeped in through the crack in the window pane where a small stone had broken it long ago. The small room took on a life of its own, almost breathing in and out.

A grunting rose up; it came from deep within the room. Something was beginning to awaken from its slumber.

Sheets were shifting to the side and landing on the carpet. Sliding from the small futon, the now-awake form slunk towards the window, slowly approaching the warmth that had not yet touched them, drawn to it like a moth to the flame. The soft scrape of plastic rings along the thin but worn wooden rod above the window could be heard; it signalled the routine of a new day.

Thick curtains began to move, no longer breathing, moving to there respective sides as the beams of light broke through. Engulfing the small boy in light.

Little by little, the small form gradually awoke, his soft blue eyes slowly adjusting to the new day as the sun blinded him. The calls of birds and the morning cars went by the little road below, and the smell of the local bakery down the road kicked off his senses. As he licked his lips, he could taste the bread on the tip of his tongue.

Unknown voice: (Tired but cheerful.) It looks like a new day! 'Smiling.'

The sun was no longer seeking entry into the room; instead, it was expanding its reach with the invitation the small form extended to it. Completely washing away the darkness of the night before, in its brilliance and awe, the small form of a boy stood, basking in the virgin daylight and breathing in the cold air of a new morning, until a light tapping came from the door.

Multiple voices: 'Softness.' Akio! We are going to be late for school! (Growing louder.)

A small sigh came from the boy at the window.

Akio: 'Playful call.' In a minute!

Akio blinked, and now he was standing on the road, facing the bus shelter.

Akio was now standing on the street, waving at the troupe of children slowly getting onto the red and white school bus, attentively watching and waiting for all of them to board before he could start his own day. An older voice drew Akio's attention, beckoning him closer.

Bus driver: ''Smiling,' Hello Akio! (Looking up.) It looks like it's going to be another beautiful day, don't you think? (Looking back at Akio.) Are you sure you don't want a lift? It would be no bother; I won't even charge you. 'Chuckling.'

Akio: 'Jovial.' I'm not going to school today; we have the day off. I need to pick up some things from the bakery. (Arched bow.) Thank you for the offer, and thank you for taking care of them all! (Facing the driver, then looking up to the clouds.) I hope so, though I have a strange feeling that it might rain later.

Bus driver: Very well. (Glancing at the clouds.) If you say so, Akio. (Looking down the bus lane'.) Buckle up, kids. We don't want to be late for school now, do we?

Mixed voices: 'Cheering.' Late for school, late for school!

The bus driver shook his head as he reached the door's lever, pulling it towards him.

As the bi-fold door closed, the screeching of metal and the low rumblings of an engine roaring back to life permeated Akio's ears.

Akio continued down the lonely road towards the sweet smell of breads and glazed buns. The sound of the bus overtook his mind. It was the growl of the engine, which grew louder and eventually died out behind him. Akio turned back and watched as the large red and white bus disappeared out of view, slowly turning the corner. He smiled at the sight of the children waving at him from the back of the bus.

The coming darkness had already taken hold, and the clouds above were barrelling over the row of houses to his right.

A loud crash echoed from around the bend where the bus had just turned.

A new glow was flickering in the distance; no longer did the warmth of the new day comfort his eyes, but the flickers of flames began to dance upwards into the sky, and Akio's name echoed in his head.

Unknown voice: 'Agitated' Hey, Akio? AKIO!

Akio's eyes opened; he was no longer on the street.