Strangers

She sat by the fire alone in the unforgiving night. It was flickering, it was dieing, and the cold was coming back through her meager clothes. Nothing would make her return just then. No, the cold and the wet and dark could not detour her will. Waiting by the weakest flame for hell to withdraw from her life. It would not. . . .1

Not ten meters away he walked. A dream in his mind, that his only companion. He blindly travelled the midnight wood without warmth to embrace. Only anger warmed him. Only hatred resonated within his spirit. Only resolve burned his mind.2

So then there were two. . . .3

The flame burst to life as cloaked stranger sat beside her. She said nothing however, but continued to stare within the flames as if entranced, and yet she was not. No motion to the stranger only inches away, and no requests for such from said being.4

What could be expected though but that? Two strangers enjoying flame's embrace in silence, and in solitude even within their own company. Two minds entrapped within themselves for the night's plans. One to escape, and one to find. One to be free, and one to create freedom, yet shackles.5

Nightmarish haze were they in as they planned. No notice of one another's silence, no comfort in the company. There was to them, no such company.6

Then both rose and headed from whence the other came. Switching sides of the hill, both to find the grass is no more greener on the other side. Or both to find the lush grasslands of their dreams? Neither two know as they left.7

So there were none.8