William Byers

Friday evening—what could be worse? The spring sunset stares at you, shimmering with delicate colors somewhere between pink and orange. The silhouettes and shadows they cast become all too vivid. Clouds, like feathers, float gently and quietly across the sky, as if on an ocean. The birds have already huddled in their nests, preparing for bed...

Will sat at home, alone, waiting for Mike to come home, hoping at least that he would show up or at least text, but even as darkness fell, nothing happened. The guy didn't show up, didn't text, didn't warn. When it was completely dark and everything fell deathly silent, only the wind and the quiet chirping of insects, the rustling of the grass, and not a soul in sight. No stray dogs, cats, or anything else, no people, no workers. This world had completely quieted. The brown-haired man sat sadly on the balcony, leaning on his elbows and looking out the open window. He watched everything, the leaves rustling and the lights going out in other people's apartments with each passing minute. A fresh night breeze blew through his body, leaving an unpleasant chill. Goosebumps ran across his body, and tears welled up in his eyes. The day was ruined.

[you are for Mike]