Bears without Mouths. Answers without Questions (Attn Maddeline)
Written by J Catron
JT hands the man in the alley a folded stack of bills and gets handed a small box wrapped in brown paper. He turns, stuffing the box into his jacket and moves out of the alley quickly as if aware that these streets do not want him there.
The woman in the rose patterned dress steps out of the next alley with a smile. She absently holds a headless teddy bear in her hand. "Going my way handsome?" She mimics the 30's movies phrase. She leans against a building. Even with her petite 5'3" frame she does not seem worried in the least that she is in this neighborhood wearing a formal dress.
Maddalena lets her smile widen. "I was headed for the park originally. I have some people to look for. But perhaps I was looking for you. The mist rose and I am not certain where I am. Would you be kind enough to help a girl out?" She shifts her weight from one foot to the other and preens the headless bear's fur which is matted with dried something and dust.
She arches an eyebrow with interest. "Yes the mist. You know of it? Most people don't." She shakes her head almost sadly at this "It's a shame that they cannot know the Truth." She tilts her head. "Tell me how you know the mist. And tell me your name. I cannot let a man who's name I do not know escort me" Her smile is almost predatory as she looks the man up and down. She twitches and the cocks her head to the side as if listening to someone whisper in her ear and then looks back at JT wating for him to answer.
JT cocks his head to one side, seemingly regaining his composure. "I see many things. Truth eludes me more often then not though, I'm afraid."
"I am called JT here. And i've looked into the mists, thought perhaps not your mists, for the Truth. It conceals things from me, perhaps the truth, perhaps it protects me from yet other lies."
"And I would like to know the name of a lady so bold as to wander these mean streets at such an hour."
She nods, seemingly pleased with his answer. "Well I suppose I cannot ask for more from someone not in the family." She considers her options for a moment then closes her eyes briefly. She opens them again with a smile. "Well, JT, I would be pleased to accept your offer of escort. But I cannot give you my name just yet. Do you know Stan?"
Her smile brightens and she chuckles lightly. "Excellent." She begins to walk JT down the street in the direction of the park but she sets a casual pace. "Then I can tell you my name only if you will deliver something to him for me. It is a harmless item. Just this bear," She indicates the headless bear "Will you give it to him for me? If you will I can tell you many things." She says 'many things' as if she holds the answers to secrets JT hasn't even thought to ask about yet. Her face shines in the street lights as she nods knowingly.
Bookmarks