Arise

I shoved open the rusty metal door and walked out onto the roof. I had thought they would keep it locked for safety. Bits of loose concrete crunched under my shoes and I smelled wet dirt. It had rained last night. I had watched it splatter against the window to my room.

The wind was colder than I thought it would be. I had overestimated my resistance to it. I should've brought a jacket. I yawned away my fatigue as I pulled out my phone in the early morning darkness. 6:40 am. Soon now.

I walked to the edge of the roof and saw thousands of lights that illuminated Aurelius University. Rows of organized buildings built over decades. It was creepy how this many people could be quiet all at once. The occasional glow of a lonesome vehicle crept along the otherwise empty streets.

I walked to the balustrade that lined the edge of the roof and stopped in my tracks. It was broken, smashed even. But smashed with precision to form a seat that allowed you to watch the campus. This was done on purpose.

I stood at the edge and looked down. I don't remember the building being this tall when I saw it from below. Tiny people moved their luggage into the building on carts. I feared falling and stepped back. The wind grew stronger and I hugged myself tightly to spar the cold. Maybe this was not a good idea.

But I would do it anyway. I got onto my hands and knees and crawled to the edge. I slipped my legs over and hugged the concrete wall that remained. Not so bad after all. Just have to make sure I don't lose my grip.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes that I had stolen from Jimmy yesterday. Revenge for trying to push me to join the history club. I will probably look into it anyway but it'll be my choice, not his. Plus, I want to know what smoking feels like.

I pulled out a cigarette and set aside the pack. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. I visualized the pattern of flame. A swirling design - sharp and wild appeared within my mind. Immediately I felt a tugging within me. Filled to the brim, my magic struggled to be free. I let it flow onto the pattern, just a little bit. Enough to create a small flame.

I opened my eyes as the flame came alive on my forefinger. A tiny light in the darkness. I lit my cigarette with it and let it cease. I put the cigarette to my lips and pulled in a breath. Hmm... this doesn't feel like any-

Disgusting!

I held onto the wall as I coughed violently. The cigarette came loose and fell out of my mouth, and down the building. Oh no. I coughed as I looked down to make sure that it didn't drop on anyone. By now it was so far off that I could not see it. Also, I didn't know any other patterns that might help.

I gagged and spat to the side. It tasted so bad. Why do people still smoke? I slid the cigarette pack into my trouser's pocket. Never again. I'm done.

Heh. Who would've thought I would give up so easily. Haha. I threw my head back and laughed. This is so ridiculous. I should've known cigarettes would be a bad idea.

I placed my hands firmly against the floor behind me as I looked at the dark morning sky. But I would keep doing things like this. I did not regret my choice to try. I would probably make worse decisions by the time I graduate.

A crimson tinge appeared on the horizon.

I sat there, silent, as the sun rose and painted the sky.