Chapter 7 - You’re Never Safe ‘til You See the Dawn
Noise.
Too much noise.
Too many people, shouting, screaming, making loud sounds with their hands. (‘Applauding’ came a weakened whisper in its mind)
The confused creature stumbled awkwardly from the ground in front of the platform thing where it had fallen.
Something about this place was familiar, the creature felt a faint stirring of memory, of past happiness. But then these huge, blinding lights came on and the creature uttered an undignified squawk of pure fear.
So much light!
Fear. Confusion. Fear.
The creature shivered and slunk quickly away from the lights, keeping to the shadows. When it reached a tall fence, it stopped, suddenly unsure of what to do next. Then a bit of darkened forest caught its eye, a welcome haven against all the light and sound.
(‘Central Park’ said the whispering voice)
Bits of memories flitted by like frightened ghosts, gone before the creature could grasp them.
...Frost-sparkled trees...
...Strange lady in a tree...
...Music like birdsong...
The creature shook its head and clambered over the fence, pausing for a moment on the top before jumping off; flapping ungracefully and leaving black feathers floating all around.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY CAN’T FIND HIM???”
Everyone winced as the poor messenger cowered in the face of Daniel’s anger, then scuttled out of the room. His job was done and wasn’t sticking around for a tip, oh no.
Nicole braced herself and walked up to Daniel.
“Dan, calm down, he was just doing his job. Everyone is doing the best they can.”
The guitarist swung around and turned his glare in her direction. Nicole took an involuntary step back; Daniel didn’t get angry often but when he did, his anger was formidable indeed.
But Daniel froze in surprise when he saw the fearful look that had flitted across Nicole’s face. He looked around and saw similar looks on everyone else’s face, ranging from worry to despondency.
His anger drained out off him like wine from a shattered glass, leaving only a feeling of hopelessness. The guitarist sighed and sat down on the hotel couch, rubbing his face with his hands in a tired manner.
“I know, I know,” Daniel said quietly, slightly muffled by his hands “I’m just worried about Darren.”
Nicole’s heart went out to the guitarist, who looked so forlorn. She went over and sat down beside Daniel, putting her arms around him as her way of comforting him.
Quiet descended over them for a while, with no one willing or able to break the saddened silence.
Daniel twitched slightly as an odd noise reached his ear, a sound so quiet that it should have been inaudible. But it reacted with something inside the guitarist, resonating like he was a tuning fork.
The sound came again, causing Daniel to raise his head and gently disengage himself from Nicole’s embrace. She watched with puzzlement as he drifted over to the nearby, open window.
Daniel stood perfectly still, straining to hear the mournful cry that was gradually getting stronger. It was a sound so full of fear, sorrow and loneliness that Daniel felt tears spring to his eyes. And he knew, knew who was calling out into the night.
“Darren.” he breathed. The blond one turned quickly, startling everyone, and grabbed his jacket. He tried to get out the door only to find his way blocked by Anna.
“Dan, where do you think you are going?” she demanded, moving to prevent the guitarist from leaving.
“I’m going to get Darren.” Daniel replied distractedly, trying to get around the back-up singer. Anna grabbed him by the arm to stop him again.
“ ‘Get Darren’? What the hell do you mean? Daniel, no one knows where he is! You just can’t go wandering around New York!”
Daniel tried to shrug off her hold on his arm.
“Anna let go,” he replied heatedly “I know where he is! Can’t you hear him?” Anna, who still kept a firm grip on the guitarist, looked him blankly.
“Hear what? What does hearing Darren have to do with where he is? Daniel, you are losing your mind, you are not leaving this room!” she said flatly.
Everyone stood transfixed as they watched Daniel continue to struggle with Anna, his frustration growing.
“LET GO OF ME, DAMN YOU! MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!” he finally roared, startling Anna into letting go of his arm. Daniel bolted out of the room before Anna could recover, leaving her staring after him in shock and surprise.