He looked back at the statue of himself. He didn’t receive praise, or scorn, anymore but people still travelled from far and wide to see him and that was enough to keep Atlas alive. To keep him grounded so he didn’t fade into nothing. “I think it’s nice. Time has changed so much, it’s strange to think that I was there once when they built this, all of this. And to see it so many years later admired by people who don’t have a clue. It makes me feel a little hopeful.”
Looking at the statues, Saima felt a little wistful – knowing the imagery of their home was more sparse. But the traditions were still there in a way, passed down through holidays and song and maybe that would have to do for now.
“True, I do get the appeal. To see that people still have admiration for these stories for those in those stories..it’s nice. Sometimes knowing that the stories or images of these stories are still out there is inspiring. It’s comforting to still be part of the people’s imagination.“
Atlas let out a laugh throwing his head back, he raised his beer slightly. “Amen to that, I’m Atlas by the way,” he shoved his beer in the sand dusting his hand off slightly before extending it. “I sort of only came to this thing for a friend of a friend and the free beer but I sort of regret that now.”
The laugh made Saima smile, enjoying the sound for a moment. “Nice to meet you Atlas.” Once the hand was extended, they accepted Atlas’s hand for a handshake. “I get what you mean. I came to meet some folks and while I did that earlier – it’s also just kind of hard to navigate. Makes one need to get a break from it all. ” Socializing wasn’t something that came super easily to Saima so they needed breaks to recharge and center themselves.
“Sorry that you kind of regret it – the things you do for a friend of a friend, huh?“
OPEN TO; Anyone / MUSE; Eve, Fallen Star / CONNECTION; up to partner
She loved the stars more than anything but they also brought her a sort of longing for a home she could never have. Eve suppressed a sigh and instead turned to walk back to the small blanket and pillows they had set up. She sat back down, rearranging the pillows until she could lie next to her friend. “Do you think it’s impossible, to touch the stars? They always seem to close and so far away.”
Lazing among the setup of blanket and pillows, Saima found themselves comfortable and lost in thought for a bit. It wasn’t until Eve returned to the blankets that they arose out of their reverie. “Impossible? I don’t think so. They do have this weird distance to them but…I think it’s possible to touch them.”
Atlas looked up the closer the person got, a lazy grin taking over his face. He leaned back on his elbows but not before gesturing to the free space next to him. “Feel free, can’t guarantee that I’ll be the best company,” he shrugged pausing for several long moments. Atlas wasn’t familiar with everyone at the party, in fact, he only really knew one person. But then he was also terrible with remembering faces and names. “Sorry what was your name again, I’ve sort of forgotten.”
“Ah, no worries. It just seems nice enough to sit out here.“ Saima, after all, didn’t have too many particular expectations. They were just content enough that their presence didn’t seem to be too troublesome. Sitting down next to Atlas, they glanced back at him for a moment.“It’s fine. I’m Saima. I know there was a lot of folks to keep track of – I’ve had a bit of time remembering who I’ve met tonight too.“
Atlas sat at the edge of the ocean, the water lapped at his feet warm and comforting in the way that nature often was. There was a fire in the distance, so far away it was but a dot of red and orange to him. He had left the celebrations hours ago when he realised that no one really held his interest. Turning his head again he watched a figure approaching, shimmering like a mirage. When they where close enough he leaned back squinting up at them in the fading light. “Come to join my party of one?”
Despite being around festivities, there were moments where Saima had to get away. If only for the sake of recollecting themselves, strolling alongside the water was a means of feeling more at ease. Listening to the waves roll in, they relished the way the ground felt beneath footsteps. Seeing that someone was sitting near the ocean, Saima slowed down a bit as they approached.
“If you’ll allow someone to join you, I’d be up for it.“
Seekesotsibteadmist 