Midnight Melody

He was never quite sure how long it was between when his eyelids closed and he heard her calls off in the distance

Every night he waited for his mother to close the door behind her, plunging the room into darkness. Before she even reached the squeaking floorboards of the stairs, he would have the comforter over his head and be curled up in a ball, eyes shut tight. Each night it was the same. Sometimes it took him a while to drift asleep, other nights, he wouldn't even hear his mother reach the bottom of the stairs.

But every time, he would wake up to her bellowing voice, welcoming him into her world.

It was never too hot or too dry out on the plain. There was always a constant wind swirling about, kicking up small puffs of sand that licked his skin, tickling him as they dispersed in the air. He never needed any lights - the moon illuminated the sky around him in a dull haze. A warm glow that always hung above him. By now, he knew where to go. He just needed to follow her lead. She was never too far off - most times he could see her waiting off in the distance, but he felt secure knowing the stars were above him, ready to guide the way were he to need them. The walk never took too long - the sand cool between his toes, wind playing with his bangs. No matter how many times he met her, the song was always different, as mesmerizing as the night before.

When he finally made it to her, he'd just stand there, waiting for the song to end. It resinated from deep within her core, shaking the air around her body, almost shimmering. He could feel the vibration leaving her body and entering his, messaging and nestling itself deep into his muscles and soul.

Regardless if she was mid verse, she always managed to welcome him with a smile. Large and warm. She always looked so beautiful, just floating in the air. Graceful. As if the ocean was still embracing her. When she was done with her song, they would just relax. Two souls lost in the desert.

They never spoke. Never muttered any words. They understood and appreciated each other. He loved spending his night listening to her music, carried away on the echoing melodies while she adored his never waning attendance. He was the only one who every listened to her and she was grateful. Her perfect audience.

When the night was over and it was time for him to emerge from his sheets, he'd trace his steps back through the sand, towards where he came. Yet every night, even though he left, she'd keep singing, staying with him until the final moments. Sometimes he'd have to stop and listen, for it'd sound like she was weeping. Crying and pleading for him to come back. But each time, he'd realize she was just wishing safe travels.

Bidding him farewell until the next night, when she'd be able to perform for him once again.

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