Moving On » Places

         

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The sun rose early, upon that particular day, sending dusty shafts of light into Elijah's room. He rose one hand from the shadows of the low cot he'd been wide awake on and let his fingers chase a mote of dust. The dog on his legs grumbled, dropping a heavy paw on his knee in protest of his movements. Eli, dropped his head back down to the folded blanket he was using as a pillow and tangled his hand in the fur upon Bailey's head instead. He'd miss the animal. Turning his head, he looked into the rest of the room. His sister slept in what really was a bed on the other side. The sunlight hadn't quite reached her yet, but even so, he could clearly make out the shape of his little girl who curled sweetly into her aunt's back. Emma snored softly. The man felt old, and his stomach wrenched at the thought of having to leave her, even though it would just be for a while. His little girl. Elijah curled his free hand into a fist over his chest and stifled the instinct to stay. Evie would look after her like her own. He knew she'd be okay.

The sun continued to rise for a couple more moments, and Elijah savoured the last moments he'd have at home for a while, with his dog warming his feet and the sound knowledge that his family were safe.

Then, he roused himself. Eli planned to leave before Emma woke up. He'd said his goodbyes, and the girl's father didn't intend to make things any more difficult than they had been. Elijah rose silently, as he had so many times before. Already dressed, the man walked barefoot down the stairs. He knew the building well, and avoiding the creakiest of the stairs. The dog followed him, with no regard for silence, but the clattering of her claws was a common noise.

Downstairs, Elijah splashed his face with cold water. The sting brought himself back to himself. One hand twitched slightly as he pushed aside the emotions that told him he should stay, so he didn't linger long. He slapped two sheets of paper on the counter of the shop they lived above, knowing it'd be found in a couple hours time. He'd never been a man of many words, and the letters addressed to his daughter and to his sister were the longest essays he'd ever written. Eli laced his boots, and left the house, following his dog down the slowly lightening streets of New New York.

"To Emma, my daughter"

The words rang painfully in his head and he dutifully ignored them, splashing through puddles heartlessly as he made his way to the address he'd been given. The empty streets looked down at the man who walked away from his only child with unconcealed disgust.

"I'm sorry daddy has to go"

He paused to let Bailey catch up, and rubbed at his beard. He wasn't far, and he wasn't afraid. He'd been told this would be for the good of the city, and that, by extension, meant Emma too. His wife's voice echoed in his head. She was more than a ghost to him. He'd promised her never to leave their daughter. Hands made tight white fists.

"I'll be back soon, darling. I promise."

Bailey came to his side. They were almost there, and he was fairly sure his dog would definitely not be allowed with him. Sighing, Eli crouched, and ruffled Bailey's fur. The animal seemed sad, as though she knew what was happening, and butted her head against his knee. He laughed softly, humourlessly.

"Daddy loves you very, very much"

"Go on, Bai," he told her. He stifled a groan as he got back to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. "Get home."

The dog obeyed, not knowing the words but understanding the meaning. She paused uncertainly, and watched as the man walked around the corner. With one street left, he began to compartmentalise his thoughts, setting his guards and pushing away the feelings that would make him weak. The building loomed closer, and he recognised it for what it was by the two figures stood at it's foot. He hailed them with a lifted hand, which he then offered to them warily.

"'Morning," he grunted, pushing loose strands of hair back with the hand he had free. "Name's Elijah. Elijah Hall. You should be expecting me."