Good Fortune
Jostling in the stiff lock, a rusty iron key granted reluctant entry. The rich oak floorboards squealed in protest as they were forced to bear weight again. Dust stirred, suffocating the open air, as it was dislodged from its resting places.
Without a glance to the surroundings, a lithe young woman swept to the grand dining room window. The china of little interest, she pulled aside the damask curtains, opening the window they sheltered. Gently, she laid a glass telescope on the silk cushioined window seat. A moment to conceal her bright green hair, to polish the eyepiece of her life.
A quick check of the time, she took a slow breath to fill the remaining seconds. Lifting her telescope, she looked to the roof across the forsaken street. The pool barely recognizable beneath years of filth, the formerly pearl white tile caked in thick dirt.
A sanctuary for the wealthy had become a monument to their downfall. She choked down a bitter laugh as another woman emerged onto the roof. Her clothes hung limply on her body, her blond hair listless, with none of the expected sheen. Even through the telescope, it was clear she had been crying, her face washed by her tears.
She stepped to the edge of the roof, to the end of her lifeless world. Her eyes focused only on the salvation that waited far below. She drew a shuddering breath, tears still sliding down her cheeks.
A single shaking step.
Her tears ceased as she fell.
Across, the telescope was lowered with a satisfied smile. They were taking care of themselves, she could report. No intervention would be needed.
All was well.
Without a glance to the surroundings, a lithe young woman swept to the grand dining room window. The china of little interest, she pulled aside the damask curtains, opening the window they sheltered. Gently, she laid a glass telescope on the silk cushioined window seat. A moment to conceal her bright green hair, to polish the eyepiece of her life.
A quick check of the time, she took a slow breath to fill the remaining seconds. Lifting her telescope, she looked to the roof across the forsaken street. The pool barely recognizable beneath years of filth, the formerly pearl white tile caked in thick dirt.
A sanctuary for the wealthy had become a monument to their downfall. She choked down a bitter laugh as another woman emerged onto the roof. Her clothes hung limply on her body, her blond hair listless, with none of the expected sheen. Even through the telescope, it was clear she had been crying, her face washed by her tears.
She stepped to the edge of the roof, to the end of her lifeless world. Her eyes focused only on the salvation that waited far below. She drew a shuddering breath, tears still sliding down her cheeks.
A single shaking step.
Her tears ceased as she fell.
Across, the telescope was lowered with a satisfied smile. They were taking care of themselves, she could report. No intervention would be needed.
All was well.
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