Wanna See You Tonight

֍ CORELIUS ֍ As I emerged from the darkness of sleep, my eyelids fluttering open like delicate petals, the moon's radiant glow was the first thing to greet me. The colossal orb, a beacon of light in the vast expanse of the night sky, hung suspended like a celestial guardian, watching over the world below with an unblinking gaze. Its luminescent rays seemed to bore into my very essence, as if scrutinizing every fiber of my being, probing the deepest recesses of my soul with an otherworldly intensity. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I took stock of my surroundings, realizing with a start that I was floating in the boundless ether, untethered and free. Below me, the grandeur of Hacienda Laurel unfolded like a miniature masterpiece, every detail etched in silver by the moon's gentle light. The rolling fields, the meandering pathways, and the stately manor house itself were all laid bare, a breathtaking panorama that stretched as far as the eye could see. Even the neighboring town, with its twinkling lights like a scattering of diamonds, was visible in the distance, a testament to the moon's all-encompassing gaze. As I turned to face the moon, its silent vigilance was almost palpable. And then, in a moment that defied all logic, the moon began to move. It grew in size and brilliance, its light intensifying as it floated towards me, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. My heart raced like a wild animal, pounding in my chest like a war drum as fear coursed through my veins. Just as my anxiety reached a fever pitch, a second celestial body emerged from behind the moon's luminous disk – a planet, its reddish hue unmistakable, its presence both mesmerizing and terrifying. Mars, the red planet, had arrived, its arrival heralding a moment that would forever be etched in my memory. Earlier that evening, Papa and I had drifted into slumber while the news murmured in the background. He had been engrossed in his work, papers scattered around him, while I eagerly awaited my favorite show, which was to air after the news. The last thing I remembered before succumbing to sleep was the news anchor’s grave voice discussing the imminent approach of Mars, set to occur the very next day. But my sleep was far from peaceful, as I was soon plagued by a terrifying nightmare. I was running, my legs pumping furiously, my breath coming in ragged gasps, as I tried to escape the looming presence of Mars. The red planet loomed large in the sky, its ominous glow casting a menacing light over everything. I was trapped, a helpless observer, unable to move, unable to escape, as the moon and Mars grew larger, their light consuming my vision. I screamed, but my voice was lost in the void, as I remained frozen in place, my heart pounding in my chest. And then, with a jolt, I woke up, falling out of bed and landing in a tangled heap of sheets, my skin slick with sweat. I lay there, panting, my heart still racing, as I realized it. Ah, I see. Thankfully, it was only a dream! My attention was soon drawn to the creak of footsteps outside my door, a sound that cut through the silence like a knife. I sat up, my heart racing once again, as I looked towards the entrance, my eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear. Someone was outside! I slowly peeled myself off the bed, my pajamas clinging to my damp skin as I winced against the throbbing pain in my hip and knee. Every movement felt like a chore, as if my body was weighed down by the remnants of my nightmare. My hand shook slightly as I reached out to grasp the cool metal doorknob, my fingers wrapping around it like a lifeline. I inched my way toward the door, my senses on high alert, as if I was tiptoeing through a minefield. With a deliberate twist of the knob, I eased the door open, my ears straining to detect even the faintest creak or groan that might betray my presence. The silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation, as I hesitated on the threshold, my heart pounding in my chest. I squinted into the darkness, my eyes straining to make out the shape that was slowly descending the staircase. A shiver of fear ran down my spine, and I held my breath, waiting for the figure to emerge from the shadows. "Who could that be?" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. The question hung in the air, a heavy weight that threatened to suffocate me. Taking a deep breath, I summoned up all my courage and stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. I moved slowly, deliberately, my senses on high alert as I made my way down the stairs. With each step, I felt my heart pounding in my chest, the sound echoing in my ears like a drumbeat. The figure moved silently, swiftly, leading me through the kitchen and out into the vast expanse of the backyard. I followed at a safe distance; my eyes fixed on the shadowy form that seemed to glide effortlessly through the darkness. I whispered to myself, barely audible over the tranquility of the night, "It's Ate Aurelia. Where could she be off to at this hour?" Ate Aurelia wore a stunning dress—a vision in black, her stunning maxi dress hugging her curves in all the right places. The padded plunge design showcased her flawless, porcelain skin, making it radiate an otherworldly glow. But it was the criss-cross strap at the back that truly stole the show, its delicate latticework adding a touch of mystery to her overall allure. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of night, its silky strands framing her heart-shaped face with effortless elegance. As she moved, her hair shimmered in the light, casting a spell of enchantment over all who laid eyes on her. The contrast between her porcelain skin and the dark, enveloping fabric of her dress only served to heighten her allure, making her seem like a living, breathing work of art. My heart was pounding in my chest as I ducked behind a nearby pillar, holding my breath as she paused, her eyes sweeping over the shadows. I could feel her gaze lingering on me for a moment, and I held my breath, hoping she wouldn't notice me. "That was close," I whispered to myself. I could feel my heart racing, my hands trembling as I clutched the pillar. But when I finally found the courage to take another look, she was gone. The night had swallowed her up, leaving me alone in the darkness, my heart still racing with fear and excitement. I scanned the area, but there was no sign of her. She had disappeared into the night, leaving me to wonder what might have been. Where could Ate Aurelia be off to? And why the sudden urgency? And why was she dressed like that? Papa would be furious if he found out she had left at this hour. I had to follow her. But how? I was only seven years old. What if something happened to me on the way? Besides, Ate Aurelia seemed to be far ahead; I might not catch up to her now. After some time, I decided to head back to my room. My mind was still reeling from the unsettling dream I had just experienced, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me. With each breath I took, I could feel the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me, like a heavy burden I couldn't escape. The dream continued to haunt me, raising goosebumps on my skin as I relived the vivid nightmare in my mind. I was terrified by the thought of Earth colliding with Mars, and the chaos that would surely follow. What would happen to me? To Ate Aurelia? What if she was caught outside when it all went down? The thought of being unable to help her, even at the tender age of seven, filled me with a sense of helplessness that was almost overwhelming. As the minutes ticked by, I found myself growing more and more anxious. I made my way out onto the balcony, hoping for a glimpse of Ate as she made her way back home. From this vantage point, I had a clear view of our house's main gate, and I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that I might catch a glimpse of her, even from that distance. My feelings for Ate were strong, stronger than any bond I shared with my own family. Not even my father, mother, or older brother could compare the special place she held in my heart. It was a curious thing, this fondness I held for her, and I couldn't quite put my finger on why it was so. In the quiet echoes of the night, I whispered a silent prayer for Ate's safety. I hoped that she would make it back home safely, before my father or older brother even noticed she was gone. But as I stood there, my heart racing with worry, I couldn't help but fear the worst. "Please come back, Ate," I muttered into the dark evening. As I gazed up at the star-studded sky, the moon's silvery glow cast an ethereal light on the darkness. The night air was alive with the sweet serenade of crickets and the gentle hooting of owls, a lullaby that seemed to soothe the very fabric of the universe. And then, I saw it. The planet Mars, suspended in the vast expanse of space like a crimson jewel. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that this was no dream, no fleeting vision born of my imagination. Mars was real, and it was drawing closer to Earth and the moon with an otherworldly precision. But why did it seem so small, so distant, compared to the vivid nightmare that had haunted my dreams? I felt a shiver run down my spine as I pondered the mystery of it all. Just then, a familiar voice pierced the silence, shattering the tranquility of the night. "Why are you still awake?" Papa's voice was low and gentle, but it sent a jolt of surprise through me. I spun around to see him standing on the threshold of my room, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. I stammered out a greeting, my heart still racing from the sudden interruption. Papa's gaze flicked behind me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the scene. His expression darkened; his annoyance palpable as he turned back to me. "Go to sleep," he said softly, his voice laced with a hint of warning. With a swift motion, he turned and left, shutting the door behind him. I felt a pang of curiosity, my mind racing with questions. What was going on? Why was Papa so upset? I darted across the room, my heart pounding in my chest. I pressed my eye to the keyhole, my breath catching in my throat as I saw Papa standing outside, his hands on his hips and his face twisted in a scowl. His hands were clenched into fists, and I could hear him muttering under his breath, "She's probably meeting that man again." The words sent a shiver down my spine. My heart sank like a stone in a dark ocean as I realized that Ate Aurelia had been caught. The weight of Papa's words hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down in a silent battle of wills. I felt a pang of worry for my beloved Ate, my mind racing with questions. But as I stood there, my eyes still pressed to the keyhole, a new question began to form in my mind. Who was this mysterious man that Papa had mentioned? What was his role in Ate's life, and why did Papa seem so vehemently opposed to their meetings? The more I thought about it, the more my curiosity grew. Was he a friend, a confidant, or something more? The possibilities swirled in my mind like a whirlpool, drawing me in with irresistible force. I had to know more about this enigmatic figure, and the secrets he shared with my Ate Aurelia.