Towards the end of the previous year
[⋅𖥔⋅]═════⋅𖥔⋅═══ [ ♛ ] ═══⋅𖥔⋅═════[⋅𖥔⋅]
Dominic’s footsteps echoed off the concrete sidewalk almost rhythmically. His pace was quick, avoiding the eyes of pedestrians and swiftly dodging any contact with them. He didn’t want to make his task longer than it should be. His grandmother requested help in the bakery that morning and Dominic had taken his sweet time getting to it. He didn’t know what’s more annoying, the blindingly bright sun peeking through the clouds, the weight of the flour bag in his hands, or the thought of having to work on a free day. He glanced at the buildings across the street from time to time, hoping to spot the bakery. Though his vision blurred, there was no doubt he’d see it in a second. During the day, the first thing that caught his eyes were the vines of roses growing up the walls. And at night, the two bright lamps which shined in a golden hue. A modest family, they called themselves. But the bakery was far from it.
As he stopped at the crosswalk, his eyes became focused on the rooftops on the other side. The eyes of other people was something he would’ve rather avoided. Through his almost dazed stare, a shadowy figure moved in the corner of his eye. Dominic could tell it was another trick of his eyes, yet his curiosity got the best of him. He swiftly turned his head towards it. It looked almost real, unfading, even though he focused on it like an eagle. The more time passed, the closer it seemed to become.
As the traffic light turned green, Dominic crossed the street at a quickened pace. His eyes locked with the figure, which slowly began to clear up. And to his surprise, it was a person, dashing their way across the rooftops. Dominic stopped in his tracks, unable to take his eyes away. He was supposed to head towards the bakery, which was in clear sight already. But as the figure rushed past him, he found himself turning around and following it. He pushed past the crowds of people going by their day, his walk almost becoming a sprint. Though he was usually fast, he could barely match the speed of the mysterious man above. As an alleway came into view, Dominic swiftly slipped in. A shortcut — that was the only way to outrun the figure without the obstacles on the sidewalk.
He navigated his way through the small streets with ease. The map of the neighborhood was already imprinted on his mind after all those years he’d spent there. His sprinting turned to a run, his breathing becoming quicker than he could handle. He tried to ignore the discomfort of the layers of clothes he’d put on and the heavy bag in his arms, practically locking his eyes on the mysterious man. An exit was in sight, and he was soon on the other side of the neighborhood.
He held onto the wall to catch his breath for a brief second. The figure was running across a rooftop again, about to make a jump. Dominic froze up as he watched, noticing the greater distance between the buildings. The man was mid-air with no chance to make it through. Dominic felt his heart drop, realizing what he was about to witness. And in an instant, the figure disappeared.
Dominic was absolutely dumbfounded. His eyes were so wide he could barely blink. And the next second, the man was safely on the other side. Dominic’s hand slowly slipped off the wall, taking a step forward. It felt as if the only thing he could hear was his rapid heartbeat. There was no way what he saw was real, it had to be another illusion.
The figure moved again. In fact, he seemed to be moving towards Dominic. Before be could blink, he descended down the fire escape and began walking closer. In his panic, Dominic took a step back and clutched the flour bag to his chest. He wasn’t sure what this man would want with him. What was he supposed to do? Asking the guy if he’d disappeared would’ve made him sound like a madman. Not to mention admiting he’d been watching his stunts. Dominic could barely catch his breath from the earlier chase, straining his chest muscles to slow his breathing.
He was met with the stranger’s charismatic grin, an expression that sent chills down his spine. Whatever it was, he’d been caught. And there was no telling what would come for him next.
Dominic slowly nodded at his question, refusing to break eye contact. He was focused on the strange figure, his body language and movement — anything that would indicate he needed to run. And meeting eyes with him, it was intimidating. Dominic hated how powerless it made him feel.
He cleared his throat, preparing himself. It’d been a while since he’d spoken, he could only hope his voice wouldn’t betray him. “Hmm, yes,” he replied, his words coming out quiet and hoarse. But as he continued, it began to clear up. “Quite a skill you have.” He paused, unsure how to continue. He had to be careful with his words, yet he was drawing a blank. “At first, I thought my eyes deceived me. It’s not an everyday thing to see someone doing parkour.” He took a step forward, his grip on the flour loosening as he transferred it to one hand. “I could’ve sworn you even disappeared mid-air. You must be very, very talented. Aren’t you? Because you definitely fooled me.”