life in lights

Shimmery bodies locked in a ghostly embrace.
My breathing races as the speakers pound.
The faster the beat, the quicker we twirl.
The louder the music, the more intense our movements become.
The pulse of the club matches my heartbeat, my hips swinging to the band's rhythm.
I catch Nathaniel's eye and smile.

Holding my hand.
Pulling me up, away from my former life.

Suddenly, he's at my side, tugging me away from the mass of undulating bodies.
His concern is evident when he looks back at me.

Looking down I realize my body has turned the shimmering silver of the mysterious hand.
What's happening to me?

Bodies press in on me from all sides.
I find myself unable to focus my eyes.

"I did it to save you.
There was no other way."

A water bottle looms before me, Nathaniel behind it.
I reach out, trying to grasp it.

His face is solemn as he leans toward me.
"You are one of the faded."

A bead of sweat trickles down my neck.
The room starts to spin.

Screaming, I shove him away with all the force I can muster.
He doesn't even flinch, and I push him harder.

We're in the alley behind the club now.
How did that happen?

Gingerly, he touches my face, asking permission.
His lips brush mine.

"What's wrong?"

We are the keepers of the lights.

A tear slides down my cheek.

We are invisible.

"I'm just..."

We are invincible.

"...remembering."

We are the faded.