Visions and meals

That sound... glass shattering behind me, black feathers bursting past my peripheral vision, cold clawed stygian hands grasping hold locking me in a tight hold. That old man, is he ok? I can barely spy anything in this flurry, a sudden jank, air, I can feel air whipping against my face, my feet they can no longer feel the ground. Why? Just why is this thing here? But doesn't that mean... No, that was a dream wasn't it? Why is it here in one of my journeys? Where am I being taken? The air is so thick and cold, it's like I'm submerged in floating amber, there are thin rays of colors here and there, streaming through this darkness like veins, some orange, some green, some blue, some of colors I can't even recall or remember having seen... I'm getting dizzy, there somewhere brushing against my ears from far away... is it a song? Grand tranquil melody, my eyes, getting, heavy.

Floating pictures flashing, the heather, the clearing, a dirt road paved to somewhere, is it something in the distance? Then, that cave, the split in the earth which I heard that growling from...

"Run" What?

"Who's there?"

That disembodied voice, when was I released from that grip? Wait this isn't a lingering picture, I truly am, here again, wet earth tickling my feet.

"Stay safe, when I tell you to run, run, and don't stop."

This voice from nowhere, sorrowful, tearing at my insides.

"Who are you?"

"Run, run far away, where they can't get you."

What does it mean? Somehow this voice feels nostalgic, born from somebody I should know.

"What do you mean?"

"Be brave."

*Ouch!* My shoulder, It's tearing open, wait no change, no blood, my head is growing hazy, just what on earth is going on? The sky above is unraveling like a gloomy orchid in bloom, eating my surroundings yet again. This touch, a cold hand drawing across my face blocking this destructive view, lonely, yet even the sense of touch fades with the prickles of specked lights.

My body feels clam, the room, it's freezing, Harry, Harry's still here right?

"How are we feeling today Khat." He is, his eye portrays concern. Even with all my efforts I still managed to burden him by becoming sick. No, even if this is a selfish feeling, I'm glad that he's worried for me.

"Cold." His large hand is caressing my forehead, it's warm.

"I bet, your fever is spiking, but it means you're getting better, just give it some time."

"I guess so."

"I'll draw you a warm bath, just stay wrapped up until it's ready."

"Will do."

I might be cold and clam, but staying like this makes my heart warm and fuzzy.

"Your bath is ready, I'll be waiting just behind the door, let me know when your done, I think you're going to like today's dinner."

This makes me curious, that almost playful pitch, I don't hear that too often, must be something special then.

"You won't tell me even if I ask will you?"

"No chance, it would spoil the surprise."

"Got it, I'll let you know when I'm done."

My body's still heavy, at least moving isn't too much of a struggle, the worst part is the cold but that should subside as soon as I dip into the tub and let the water swaddle me in its comforting embrace. The water feels better than usual, washing away tension and cold alike, it's almost like I'm melting into it, mellowing it out almost like a blank peaceful surface. I could lay here for hours, but I shouldn't leave Harry waiting for too long, both my heart and wings are throbbing in excitement for the reveal. But, tonight's vision why did it end the way it did? That voice, the creature, and that cave make me feel like I'm missing something, but I have no idea what. I should not dwell on it too much, or, don't know, it feels too important to put aside, like something... ough my head hurts, I should wait till I'm healthy again.

Clean and dry clothes feel refreshing against my newly cleansed skin, I still feel sluggish but I am ready for the surprise Harry holds. Three knocks against this door resting at the end of the world.

"I see you're wearing the red sundress today."

"Felt in the mood for surprises." What can it be?

"I bet you are, sit down and find two plates, it should be ready soon."

Did he start preparing it beyond the door? Now that he mentions it, I did feel a peculiar savory yet tangy scent, it was drawing in riding the air pressure as the door swung open then shut again, the scent feels a bit familiar but I just can't place it, well it should only be a few more minutes judging by the scent and the look in Harry's gaze. Just a tiny bit more.

"It should be about done, wait here and I'll get it." I can't wait, the hint from the scent was enough to make me salivate, I wonder, what can leave such an alluring scent? Harry's entering again the plates are now filled with freshly cooked cuts of meat, the smell spreading through this small space, bathing my nose in nuanced scents.

"I got lucky, seems like the wildlife is coming back, found this one gnawing in the field."

Fresh meat, not canned or dried, fresh and juicy.

"That's good isn't it?" These scents, I'm getting lightheaded.

"It is a positive change for sure but the world outside is still with perils and uncountable dangers."

"Do you think the day will come soon?"

"Not soon, but someday."

Figures, but it's all good, isn't it? What is all my life traded against a few more years? The meat each mouthful is firm yet packed with sharp rich flavors, a faint sourness accompanied by notes of acorn and sage pouring from the juices, each bite chewy but pulsing with waves of flavor in every bite. It's so good, I feel reinvigorated already, it is like I'm floating on air as my energy returns. It is so delicious that I want to cry, not just with happiness but also tears of empathy for the creature that lost its life for this meal to be possible... Thank you, I hope you're in a better place now.

But isn't that it? To risk it all for day-to-day, leaving no moments wasted, to tether the line of life and death. Isn't that what being truly alive means? I know it's bad, I know I'm asking for too much with this, but now more than ever, I wish to traverse the outside world for real, outside of my nightly journeys.

"Harry."

"Are you feeling alright Khat? Is the meat bad?"

"No, it is delicious, I just... want to ask something."

"Ask away." That look, I'm concerning him again, but I need to ask now or else I'm not sure if I'll have the strength to.

"Is it really wrong for me to go outside? I'll be good, I will be careful and listen to you..." His hand is cradling my left cheek, that look in his eye, so rigid peering straight into me. Did I make Harry angry?

"It is not wrong... But tell me this, if you had to would you be able to take a life?"