The Man Who Never Sleeps

The grass danced to the music the breeze played as the scent of honeysuckle filled the air. The trees whispered honest secrets to the rays of light spilling through their arms. There was a hint of laughter from the critters as they scurried through the thicket. Walking aimlessly in the forest, I realised my destiny was inevitably alone.

I’ve never tried to find love in fear of the consequences that came with the silly concept. Anytime I came close, it always ended in pain and sorrow. So, I preferred to keep my distance from others, so that I may not cause them harm. Not that I meant to cause harm, it just seemed to be my fate. God has cursed me with a life of despair. I'm starting to believe my existence is some manner of dark humor that everyone finds humorous besides me. Nevertheless, there is nothing humorous about me. I rarely catch a smile when I enter a room. When I walk down the street I'm greeted with a sense of hatred. Oftentimes I hear rumours passed around about my horrid nature. However, I do not believe I am horrid, but misunderstood. I’ve never heard my name in reference to friendship; I have no friends. I’m worried I will continue to live in this everyday agony called life.

That was until I met you.

You didn't notice me when I caught a glimpse of you in the woods. I hid behind a tree so that I didn't frighten you. You were barefoot and wore only a sundress and a smile. You were singing a song I never heard before, and I know every musician and their musical masterpieces. The rhythm fell in tune with the birds and was fresh like the breeze. I began creeping closer to hear the sound that emanated from your lungs. A twig snapped and you turned to face me. I jumped behind a rock, in hopes you didn't see me. My heart was racing.

“I can see you” is what you said.

“You can see me?” I replied.

I slowly peaked my head over the rock to see your face right in front of mine. Our eyes locked. They were deep blue, not like the ocean, but like the night sky before the sun rises to wake the day. Your face was soft and warm with life, much like the woods that surrounded us. I wanted to reach out and move the hair obstructing the rest of your face, however, I leaped back, afraid to touch you.

“Am I that horrid you must leap away?” you smirked.

No, quite the opposite, is what I wanted to say.

“Yes” I said as I began to walk away hoping you would too. I was wrong, you followed me in a hurry, your legs trying to keep up as I swiftly made my way through the woods.

“You know you can't run from the truth forever” you called out.

I halted.

“What did you say?” I said as I stood facing away from your eyes.

“I will not repeat myself.”

Astonished. Who is this girl? I turned to meet your daybreak stare.

“Do you know who I am, what I am capable of?” I said in reply.

“Only a fool couldn't decipher the riddle that is you, and I am no fool sir.” You said with little care.

“Then you should know my presence is detrimental to your being” I warned.

You didn't reply, but only bestowed a gaze filled with curiosity. My mind was spinning, like a chaos carousel of emotion. I was unable to process the encounter I had put myself in. You didn't think of me as an enemy or foe and you weren't afraid knowing who I am.

Night fell upon us and the stars revealed their glow. I told you it was best for you to return to your house, but you refused. Part of me was glad you didnt, yet guilt suffused throughout my body. Before you were led away by the master of dreams, you gave me a tender smile and whispered goodnight.

When dawning fingers extended in the sky, mimicking your eyes, you woke and asked how I slept. I reminded you that I do not sleep, for I am cursed to remain awake. You then pushed yourself off the dew damp grass and left to return home, but reassured me that you'll be back.

A few days passed and your words proved true.

Our time together consisted of an exchange of smiles and laughter. There was a growing feeling of mutual admiration that slowly turned into more. As the nights arrived I would watch you sleep ensuring your protection. You would wake with a smile asking me if I could stay a while, despite you being the one who would leave. Yet my response was always the same, reminding you I had no better place to be than in your presence. Each time you would wake, you would leave, sometimes you would be gone for days, sometimes it was weeks. Nevertheless, our friendship continued to grow.

My desire to hold you in my arms became unbearable. I yearned for your touch. I knew you could see it by the solemn look you held in your eyes. We both knew the outcome if we succumbed to the love that was ever so apparent. Despite this knowledge I insisted on finding a way to embrace you. I begged the earth, sun, moon, and sky, I prayed to the Lord most High that I could love this you the way you loved me. After months of my desperate attempt to lift my curse, I was beginning to lose hope. I cried when night came that day. You woke to the sound of my tears hitting the ground. You asked me what brought me to this state of emotion, and I told you of my concerns. You reminded me that the sun feeds what is pure, so our love will grow past the realm of mortality. Your words put my mind at ease, and you fell back into a deep slumber.

I noticed after that night your time with me increased, but so did the sight of your ribs. You were fading steadily right under my nose. I pleaded that you must return home, but your stubborn nature did not allow you to leave my side. You assured me you were alright.

You became weak, yet your smile never left your face. Mine did. When you told me about your village. The one I visited months ago. You had never returned home. There wasn't one to go to. You were starving and I was incapable of assistance. The pain from your abdomen radiated, as your stomach begged for nourishment.

You looked at me with that same daybreak gaze as you said:

“I love you, death”

You grabbed me and pulled me close. I held you tight weeping as your body went cold and limp. I cried out in despair, but I knew now you weren't in pain. I knew my embrace put you out of misery for it always does.

I woke up that morning with the tears from yesterday stained upon my cheeks as I looked upon your bones that lay on the ground.