Page 4 - Horizon 18 Online

HORIZON
Slice of Life
I rode back to my house in silence, I just wasn’t in the mood for hanging out with that crowd anymore unless Dante was dragging me out to do
it. It just isn’t who I am anymore. Who I’m supposed to be anymore. I am supposed to be a chef, no, I am a chef now. Me and Reina are happy or at least we’re trying to be. We’ve been arguing a lot lately. It’s been fifteen long years since I left my life as a Diablo, and it’s still hard for me to stay away from my life in the gang. As I pulled up to my condo in Santa Monica and walked into the building the sun seemed to give off its last rays of light before falling under the horizon. I walked through the front glass doors and made my way over to the more likely than not safety vio- lation filled elevator. I stepped into the squeaky old elevator and rode all the way up to my floor. Opening the door, I flicked on the light, “Honey, I’m home.” I looked around the room, or at least what I could see of it. Walking deeper into the dark and spacious condo. “Reina?” I peered into the bedroom, she wasn’t there. I checked the bathroom, the kitchen, and even the closet. Still nothing. Where could she be? She didn’t say she was going somewhere, did she? I started to panic. My hands and forehead started to sweat and my heart began to race. I ran frantically around the apartment before stopping dead in my tracks after the realization that she works Wednesday evenings set in. After I calmed my nerves I laid down on the edge of the bed and began to wait patiently for Reinas arrival. I
still worry that some day my old life will catch up to me, or even worse, someone I love.
I woke to the sound of the door opening and glanced at the clock. It
had only been an hour since I had fallen asleep. I looked over at the
door which the light from the hallway had filled to the brim. I listened
as footsteps came closer down the hall and watched intently as finally, a familiar female figure stood in the doorway. She stood there for only a few seconds before moving into the room, making her way to the bathroom across from me. She turned on the light, and I watched as it illuminated her mocha colored face. I noticed that her hair was up in a messy bun and she was dressed in her work uniform, before she closed the door. I heard a squeak and a burst of steam come to life as she turned the old rusty knob of the shower. When she finished up in the bathroom she threw
her wet towel on the floor next to the bed and climbed in next to me. She leaned over me and whispered “I love you,” as she planted a soft kiss on my cheeks. I couldn’t help but think how grateful I am to have her. How grateful
I am to have this new life. As I looked at her beautiful face falling into a deep sleep, I began to close my eyes. Slowly, but surely, her image faded in the dark- ness and out of my life.
Autumn Means ’18
The Forgotten, Porcelain China Doll
I am the forgotten, porcelain china doll.
I wonder if I will actually be played with or left in this box. I hear the dogs downstairs and the numerous phone calls. I see the foot of her bed which she often is on.
I want to be loved once again.
I am the forgotten, porcelain china doll.
I pretend to be happy as my painted face portrays. I feel quite deceptive because of it.
I touch many who know where I am from, but
I worry not many understand me.
I cry at the the thought of being left all alone.
I am the forgotten, porcelain china doll.
I understand she is busy, I truly do.
I say to myself that she will love me again.
I dream of all the adventures we used to go on.
I try to never get my hopes up anymore, but
I hope she will cradle me and love me once again. I am the forgotten, porcelain china doll.
Emme Licygiewicz ’18
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