Knock Knock

Aeryn was sitting on the cold marble floor, her head in her hands, thinking of something that now seemed like a fantasy. She stared up at the glass ceiling, her beautiful blue eyes wide open, and found herself looking at green fumes that were caused by the smoke released from factories, floating above (preventing anyone from stepping outside) mysteriously like auroras but with none of the beauty. The swirly pattern took her back to the summer of a few months back when Arcshire was blooming. 

In the mini-gardens on the side of the road, you could see the tulips growing and the sunflowers responding to the sun. The streets were busy with people, rushing for work and to run errands. Aeryn was sitting on the sidewalk scrolling through her runner ( a device used to communicate on social media), envying those with a large follower base. 

Why doesn't anyone like me or my pictures or my dog, she thought, wait! I don’t have one. But Anna and the entire group sure does, why do I always have to be the odd one out? Why can’t I be cool like the others? 

 She grumbled as she got up, thinking of who she truly was. Was she just another girl, trying to fit in or please everyone? Or was she someone who controlled their life on their own? Was she just a shadow of her parents who had a muted voice? Or was she someone who was seen and heard by others?

Her deep thoughts were interrupted when a girl with dark brown hair and blue eyes bumped into her. 

“Oh sorry. Didn't see you there” she sneered and continued walking.

Aeryn rolled her eyes and made her way back home. Her mom and dad were both scientists and were currently in their lab. 

“Hello! Anybody home” she called

When no one replied she sat on the chair and put her head on the table. A minute later the house echoed with sniffles and the tablecloth now had a wet-spot. Aeryn always thought of herself as someone who was emotionally very strong and anyone who knew her would probably believe that too. A few months back Aeryn didn't care what others thought of her. She would wear what she wanted, eat what she would like, and would do it with full confidence. But that was when she was in Prusten, where her family lived. No one judged her and she was free to do pretty much everything. 

But then the Carthens shifted to another city, where almost everything was different. The citizens considered everyone like family and that sometimes came in handy, but it had a downside too. They openly used to criticize others. Since then Aeryn’s attitude to most situations had taken a total turn. 

She was now very conscious of what she wore and what she ate. Her parents thought it was a good chance of environment and so did Aeryn. For the first two days. But after that, it wasn’t exactly nice. 

Aeryn was brought back when she heard a thud on the door. She excitedly rushed to open it and found herself face to face to...No one?

She looked around here and there, still standing inside her house to avoid catching any odor from the fumes. When she found nothing she shut the door and retreated back inside. 

A minute later she was sucked back into her thoughts, missing the place with friendly neighbors, talkative shop owners, and the cheery citizens. She missed when wearing a bright shirt wouldn't get you stares, she missed when she could… be herself.

She opened her runner and called her friend, but she gave up hope when the device beeped about nine times. 

But then she found something sticking out under the door. Aeryn walked towards it slowly and cautiously as if it might attack. 

These days you can never be too safe, she thought. 

Upon closer inspection, she noticed that it was a piece of rolled parchment, around which was wrapped a red ribbon. She picked the article up, unfolded it, and read it, 

Be true to yourself,

Be happy with yourself,

Don't you think it's time?

Discover yourself

These four lines made Aeryn cry. How could she have changed this much? From neon clothes to pastels, from loud and adventurous to shy and meek, from being Aeryn to being someone else entirely. She wiped her wet cheeks with her sleeve and tucked her wavy blonde hair behind her ear. 

She sat on the floor looking down in deep thoughts. She was ready to change. No, revert back to herself. 

This is who I am. Aeryn Carthen. Bold ‧ Bubbly ‧ Adventurous ‧ Nonchalant