Chapter Two: House with Violet Curtains
304 Words
Celestine couldn’t sleep.
Necklace rested on her nightstand, glowing faintly in moonlight. She hadn’t told anyone—not her friends, not even her mom. She knew what they’d say: that it was romantic, that she was overthinking it. But something felt wrong.
By day, she played her part—laughing at lunch, posing for selfies, breezing through classes. But her mind was elsewhere. On him.
She didn’t see Tyler in school next day. Or day after. But gifts continued. A candle that smelled like lavender and old books. A mixtape titled “For Quiet Moments.” A handmade drawing of a girl who looked a lot like her—standing in a field of wildflowers.
She couldn’t help herself. She visited his house again.
This time, she knocked.
No one answered.
She turned to leave but paused. Curtains in window were violet and drawn shut. But behind them, she could swear she saw a shadow move.
That night, dream came.
She was in a garden filled with blue daisies. Tyler stood at far end, motionless. She tried to move toward him, but her legs wouldn’t budge. He raised a hand. His fingers were covered in red.
Celestine woke up gasping.
At school next day, he was back. Sitting in his usual seat. Sketching.
During lunch, she cornered him by vending machines.
"Are you leaving me gifts?"
Tyler didn’t look up.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Daisy. Coffee. Necklace. You’ve been watching me.”
He looked up then—and something shifted in his face. Something dark.
"You think everything’s about you, don’t you?"
Celestine stumbled back.
He smiled.
"Maybe I like to draw beautiful things. Doesn’t mean I want them."
That night, candle she had received started melting on its own.
- Writer
