9). Susurrus

Part 1: Susurrus

“A whispering or rustling sound; the indistinct sound of people whispering.”

Amidst the wind, inside the crevices of the oh-so great Europe, there was a boy. A young boy, born into wealth and status. Scolded by his peers and loved by none other than his own mother. Though this joy wouldn’t last perpetually, as sadly, his parents would ultimately pass on one foggy afternoon. Leaving him, that same boy, with an empty hole deep within, solidifying that the damage had already been done.

The boy would always quietly listen to the echoes of the lively children, almost as if a ritual of sorts. Pondering whether or not he was fit to be in such a prestigious academy. Just then, a group of joyful children swam through their school hallways, their chattering echoing powerfully. With the entirety of the estate possessing architecture similar in size to an endless tunnel. 

Various children of various families attended the school, varying from the ages of twelve and fourteen. They all conversed with one another as the bells rang powerfully throughout the school halls. However, in the far corner of the classroom, one child stood eerie amongst the other, a small boy who sat steadily as the others excited for recess.

Seated by a nearby window, the dazzling sun glistering over the horizon, the child patterning in a rhythmic sequence on the school window's frame. Their sheeny lengthy pitch-black hair reflecting the sun's brilliant glare, the child dressed with sovereign-like clothing.

"Basil!" bellowed the teacher.

He did not respond. Loosely daydreaming about his life as of now. A boy who was allowed one weekly moment of sunlight, the one & only time Basil was allowed outside. His life was far from perfect. It only truly got better every time he felt the gentle embrace of his mother’s fingers through his hair. However, we know how that turned out.

Snapping back to the present, the teacher’s beckons grabbing attention. He glared at the long-legged petite female instructor. She gripped the child's wrist with fierce strength, the child opposing the instructor's orders. Hauling the boy over as the children continued their mindless chatter.

The teacher darted towards the outdoor entrance, the sun nearly blinding the poor child. As Basil would raise his palm to combat the glistening sun rays. The instructor would remove the boy’s arm from his face with a stern warning, forcing him to go play with the others his age; something which felt all too surreal for the poor introvert.