Bound by Moonlight

CHAPTER TWO: SHRINEVILLE

CLARA

Before morning, I went to the train station for the Shrineville District. When I saw the stamp on the file, I knew where to go first. So I decided to go to Shrineville to look for evidence. Shrineville is far from Emberfall, so I think it will take me a few hours to travel. Fortunately, I know someone in Shrineville that I can live with first. I told her that I was looking for a job. Shrineville is open to everyone, but no one wants to go. And I heard that they have their own rules. After packing, I found an old box under my cabinet. Because I was in a hurry, I just put it in my suitcase.

I look at my surroundings while waiting for the train. Even early in the morning, there are many people at the station who have their own destination. When the train arrived, I immediately got on it. I was quiet the whole flight and sometimes dozed off. I woke up from my nap and noticed that only me and the conductor were left on the train. After about 3 hours of traveling, the train suddenly stopped.

"Miss, you're already in Shrineville." the conductor said to me.

"Are you sure this is Shrineville?" I asked. The conductor nodded, so I had no choice but to get off.

When I got off the train, a cold wind immediately hit me, hugging my body. I sat on the dusty and rusty chair of their waiting shed area. I almost stood up in shock when the light of the lamp post suddenly flickered as if it was going to fall anytime. The wind also blows the dry leaves. After a few minutes, a small car came and rolled down the window.

"Clara, have you been here for a while? I'm sorry. Come on." said Jessie, my college classmate and friend. She helped me with my luggage and then we left. We passed through the vast woods until we passed the crossing lane.

"Here is the border of the three districts. On the left lane is going to Emberfall, on the right side is the way to Woodhaven and this straight road is Shrineville." Jessie said to me while pointing out the roads. I just nodded to her as a response.

We went straight, and I looked at the signage that said "Shrineville District" and I noticed the yellow mark there. I frowned but I let it go. I don't know, but I've been feeling weird since we crossed the border. It's like someone is looking at us even though there isn't. I saw almost only wood. I chose to keep my mouth shut and didn't ask any more questions. Jessie drove for a few minutes until we reached the center. The former woods are now surrounded by beautiful houses. In downtown there are many people selling, shopping and walking, common things that people do.

I'm not used to the place because the people here are not noisy and chaotic because maybe there are fewer people compared to Emberfall. We passed downtown and passed many houses before we reached Jessie's place. Her house is simple because she is the only one living here.

"Your room will be at the end. I've cleaned that as well. Besides, if you want food, just get it from the fridge. I need to go." she said goodbye because she still had work. I was left here at home not knowing what to do.

I sighed before entering the room to organize my things. I didn't waste time and took out the file and my laptop. I have put together all the possible evidence, but there is still a lot missing. All day I was just inside the room and started writing until I didn't realize it was night and Jessie had gone home.

"You haven't eaten yet? It's a good thing I brought food. Let's eat" Jessie said, while carrying a paper bag in her hand.

I just helped her prepare the table, then we ate. Jessie is a nursing aide here, and it's been a while since she moved to Shrineville. The last time we met was when she and her colleagues went to Emberfall for free medicines, and I was one of the journalists who went there for documentation.

"How are you? Did you get fired from your job in Emberfall? What are your plans?" she asked me.

"Sad to say, yes. I don't want to write, so I'm looking for a job now. You, how are you?" I don't want to lie, but this is my only way. But it's true that I resigned, and I want to leave Emberfall for good.

"I don't have work tomorrow. I can accompany you to go downtown, so you can familiarize yourself with the area." I smiled and thanked her.

It's late at night but I still don't feel sleepy. The surroundings are very quiet because Jessie's house is in a wooded area near the river. I opened the window near me to look at the crescent moon. It's not round, but it gives just the right light. How mesmerizing to watch the moon in the dark sky. I don't know what is waiting for me here and, even more, I don't know what kind of people I will meet in a place I am not familiar with.

What awaits me here in Shrineville.

The next morning, Jessie and I had breakfast together before we went downtown. I just wore a white shirt that I paired with fitted jeans, I also put on a coat because it was cold. While Jessie was driving, she was pointing out the places to me so that I could get familiar with the place. I didn't think that the area of ​​Shrineville was big, because of the small population of people here. I don't expect the surroundings to be organized from houses, establishments and even their citizens. Maybe the leadership of the governor is good here.

We first stopped at a small pastry shop. The style of the shop is minimalist but very cozy and refreshing. There were only a few people here, but I didn't know when I entered they looked at me, which I understood. I let it go because maybe it is strange to them that someone new has arrived in their place. I just focused on the pastries on display. It is appetizing to look at, especially the smell.

"Their pastries are always freshly baked here." Jessie said to me. "Hi Tina, a danish pastry like usual." she said to the woman at the counter. She nodded and took the bread. Strangely, she even turned to me before handing the order to Jessie.

"You, what do you want to order? All their pastries here are delicious."

"Uhm, two cream puffs and French bread. Thank you." I said.

She handed me my order without smiling. I thanked her and we left after. I think most of the people we go to look at me strangely and don't even smile. I was a bit confused, but I let it go. It's also refreshing that their downtown is not noisy, unlike Emberfall. I don't want to think bad things, but I feel like I'm not welcome in this place. I shrugged that thought off. We were on our way home when we passed a small flower shop in an alley. If you don't look closely, you won't think there is a flower shop there.

"Jess, let's stop for a moment. I'll just buy a flower." I'm excited about going down.

Jessie didn't come down anymore because she said she wouldn't buy it. The door chime rang when I opened it. I was greeted by various beautiful flowers. I smiled at what I saw because flowers and their fragrance always amazed me. I was shocked when an old woman approached me.

"What flowers do you want, my dear? All those are fresh and fragrant." the old shopkeeper said to me, smiling. For the first time since I arrived, someone from here smiled at me.

I looked around first, until I saw the flower arrangement of a baby's breath in the farthest corner that was not visible. I was smiling as I approached it.

This is my favorite flower.

"I want this baby's breath." I politely said to the old shopkeeper.

"This flower belongs to you. This is the last stock of it so you are very lucky." she said, while wrapping the flower in an old newspaper. She handed it to me. "That flower means everlasting love. Welcome to Shrineville, my dear. I hope that, just like the flower, you will find the fragrance of pure and everlasting love" she said with a smile.

I thanked her and paid before leaving. I turned my back to the flower shop before going straight to the car. "Weird, I've passed by in this street several times, but I don't see any flower shops there." she said while focusing on the road.

"Really? Maybe it's just opened." I answered. I don't even remember what the name of the flowershop is.

"Maybe.." she answered.

Throughout the trip home, the last thing the old woman said to me stuck in my mind. Weird, because I'm not here for love.