A Life In Shadows

*This story does mention a little bit of drinking and has mention of sacrifices, though it is not specific.*

The air was cold, biting against any unguarded flesh. Sending chills up my spine. I looked to the sky, up to the lone moon that watched overhead. Its watchful eye never seemed to leave me.

Most of the people I work with would feel uncomfortable under its gaze. Though I've always found it very comforting. Maybe that's because I was raised in a life in the shadows and it was nice to see some light.

Technically I'm not supposed to be out here. At least that's what my boss always tells me. She can be a pain sometimes. Though I guess I can't complain, she did give me a home that was better than the streets.

Oh at least I hope it's a better life. It's hard to tell sometimes. I mean, a life in the shadows is hard. The only people you know are the people you live and work with. And we rarely know each other's real names.

Another stupid rule our boss made.

I kicked a pinecone and watched it as it bounced away. It didn't do much to calm me down, but it was still something.

I paused when I heard silent footsteps behind me. I slowly turned around to find a cloaked person behind me.

I nodded to their right hand, which was just limply hanging at their side. They lifted their hand and showed me a tattoo on their wrist, and I just nodded, doing the same. They nodded and walked beside me, staring up at the star filled sky.

No words were exchanged for a while as we both silently stared at the moon. Enjoying the silent freedom for as long as we can. Then they finally nodded to an old abandoned building that was hidden away by pine trees.

I shook my head then softly whispered, "Why go back? Look how close we are..."

Shock spread through their face, I couldn't tell if it was because I wasn't speaking in code or if the suggestion actually threw them off, "Are you out of your mind? They'll kill us."

"Oh and doing this crap won't?" I asked, "I mean, anything could happen back there... Cave ins... Sacrifices... We live in a deadly world already. If you get in the bad side of somebody there's a chance that you could disappear and never be seen again... Aren't you wondering what life is beyond it all?"

They were silent for a moment, "I mean yeah, who doesn't? But it isn't worth the risk..."

"C'mon... It could be fun."

They shook their head, "I don't have a good feeling about it..."

"Of course you don't." I sighed, "But if you're set on staying there, then why are you out here? You know we shouldn't be out here..."

They looked at the moon, "I wanted to see natural light for once in my life... And I had heard rumors about its beauty so many times before. The temptation became unbearable. So I snuck out... I got hypnotized by its beauty. I couldn't stop... I snuck out again and again. At first it was hard. I could never find a perfect time to leave. People always seemed to be lurking around. But after a while, it became easier... I found small openings. Simple mistakes people made. Like leaving a door open by just a crack. Accidentally falling asleep during their watches. So I made it a habit. I snuck out and sat and watched the moon for hours." They looked over at me, "I never expected to see someone else here."

I smiled slightly, "I needed to get away... People always snarling and scoffing at me like I'm a blind fool. I had had enough of it all, I needed a place that was peaceful, where I could be different... If that makes any sense to you."

They nodded, "I get where you're coming from, partner. I enjoy the freedom out here. The way that I can think what I want to without getting judgmental looks."

"So why go back?" I asked.

"Because..." They paused, "Because it's the only life I know. Yeah it ain't the best. But it's how it is..."

I nodded, "I guess you're right. I guess that maybe we aren't meant to have a different life out there..."

"I never said that..." They said, "I'm just saying not yet. There's some things we need to do first. We're meant to do certain things here first and they haven't quite been achieved yet. Then... Then we can explore the unknown... Together."

I reluctantly turned my back on the moon and headed back to the old seemingly abandoned building. They followed close behind me. We walked in a dead silence the whole time. Neither of us dared to speak, afraid that it might lead us to being caught.

As soon as we walked into the 'abandoned' building the smell of smoke hit our noses. I froze and signaled them to stop. They gave me a confused look, but didn’t say anything.

I slowly crept closer to the old load-off ramp. I watched each footstep making sure that I didn't step on anything that would alert them of my presence.

Just barely out of sight from the floor, was a group of men. Two of them were drinking, which was pretty normal, even for this time of night. But there were three others, one was pacing and the others were watching the ramp intensity. At that moment I was lucky I was good at hiding.

I slowly slipped away and went back to the other escapee. They looked at me for a moment before questioningly looking over at the ramp.

I leaned close to them and whispered, "They have more guards... I think they're aware that one of us is out."

"What are we gonna do?" They asked softly, "I can't afford to be caught... Too much is at risk..."

I thought for a moment, "I'll distract them. You slip past while they're distracted and don't come back."

They looked at me for a long moment, "Really?"

I smiled sadly, "Rebels gotta watch each other's backs. Even when they're going against themselves."

They wrapped me in a hug and whispered, "Thank you... I promise, what I said is true. We'll both be free from this life soon."

I know, I just hope it isn't by death...

They let go of me and I slowly walked back to the ramp and sighed softly before shouting, "Hey, you drunken idiots, ya need to do better at your jobs!"

I heard someone curse and hurried footsteps coming up the ramp. I closed my eyes for a moment and took in a soft breath before I ran. I caught a glimpse of the other escapee as they slipped into the shadows. They gave me a salute. I smiled and ran out of the building once more.