The old man tread carefully, keeping an eye on the young boy as he stood, looking around. He remembered fondly that feeling of fascination and wonder that he himself had once experienced. Though, he'd been in this world long enough now. Nothing surprised him anymore, and the thought saddened him. Oh, how he longed to revisit his youth, be a child again so that everything old may be new once more.
The young man jumped at the slight, quiet sound and swirled around to look behind him, but, there was nothing. Only his shadow. A little more wary now than a moment ago, he continued to look around, slowly taking in his surroundings. His eyes wide and filled with wonder, the young man circled the small space, not approaching the curtains by the edge, for feeling told him if danger were anywhere, it would lurk there, in the shadows were he could not see.
He winced at the sound of his footfall and froze a moment, fearing his stumble may give him away. Slowly, he reached out, drawing back the curtain a few inches and chancing a peek at the space beyond. Seeing the young man come round, he stepped back, allowing the curtain to fall back into place and pressing himself against the wall behind, hardly daring to breathe for fear of exposure.
The young man stopped again. The curtain had moved, as if it were breathing. But curtains couldn't move on their own, could they? He was sure they couldn't, which meant something... someone, else was around. He looked around him, slowly now, studying each thing he looked at for signs of life. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, for he could see nothing but the still surroundings that had been there this whole time. He shivered at the sudden gust of icy cold air blowing around him.
As the icy breeze surrounded him, the old man knew it was time. Taking a breath, he mustered all his strength, and with the wind aiding his plight, stepped forward, out into the light.
The young man gasped at the sudden appearence of the old man. He approached with caution, curiously looking him over. This man seemed familiar, yet he was sure he'd never seen him before in his life.
As the old man watched the young, the memories of his youth washed over him in a wave, and a smile cracked his once still, straight lined lips. He remembered the time he had been that age. He held the memories fond and dear.
The wind was blowing faster now, as if to urge the old man in his quest. He closed his eyes and breathed in the chilling air. He stepped forward, colliding with the young man as two became one once more. The young man smiled to himself. He was young again.
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