Chapter Text
Samuel turned just in time, hitting the cold dusty ground with his shoulder instead of his face. his white puffy sleeves painted in dirt and dust.
the roaring of the crowd stopped at once, some gasped, moving a few steps back. the bishop, pushing himself off of the ground, scrambled into a sitting position before standing up on shaking legs.
he wiped around, glaring at the solider, only to be met with wide open, fearful eyes and a shocked expression. Samuel's face softened, confusion taking over. he looked around, everyone in the crowd had the same expression as the solider, some were even backing away from him.
suddenly Samuel felt trapped under the eyes of all those people. Samuel's breathing picked up, his heart hammering against his bruised rib cage, only for the air to get caughed in his lungs and his blood turn ice cold, his eyes widened when a small sandy white feather was swept up by the wind. all of a sudden Samuel became all too aware of the weight on his back and the cool air against it.
his instincts were screaming at him.
RUN!
RUN!
RUN!
so samuel did. he bolted, grabbing the robes which were supposed to cover his wings, to keep him safe, up from the ground and started to push past the people wo were screaming and stepping out of his way.
afraid.
they are afraid of you.
the tears which have been blurring his sight since he fell began to spill over as the bishop ran as fast as his legs could. down a narrow alleyway, turning the corner here and there.
Samuel couldn't see, he couldn't hear. his heart was pounding. his legs felt like they would give out any moment now. while running, Samuel wrapped the robe back around his wings, hiding them from anyone who hadn't seen them yet.
everything was one big blur. at some point Samuel crashed into some barrels and the next he fumbled with the keys to his door. with a loud bang he threw it shut and turned the key.
shallow uneven and fast breathing made him feel lightheaded, as Samuel slid down to the floor. he felt so weak.
what had the done.
it was all his fault.
he shouldn't have given in to his weak, stupid body this morning.
the bandages would've prevented all of this from happening.
he was trapped.
he couldn't stay here.
he pushed himself up, falling back down, his knees felt like jelly and his arms hurt and trembled as the mans whole body shook. he made it up the stairs and into his room.
dizzy.
unsteady.
pulling out a bag, Samuel threw all that he would need into it. his bible, some of his clothes, a candle, everything he would need to go-
to go…
to go where?…
Samuel paused all his movements, becoming all too aware of how helpless his situation was. he couldn't stay here. but, he had nowhere else to go… this house was all he ever knew… tears fell steadily one after another. he felt like he was dying, like there was not enough oxygen to fill his lungs, which were being compressed by an invisible force, yet expanded and contracted at an rapid, definitely unhealthy, pace.
his mind screamed for him to RUN but his body didn't obey this simple command.
Samuel flinched horribly when there was a loud bang at his front door.
someone had followed him?
someone had found him?
how long had he ben standing here, frozen in place?
another bang echoed through the house and Samuel couldn't suppress the little scream he let out as his body reacted to the loud noise. his fathers faded voice drowned out the sound of fists against hard, old wood.
so prove that you are not just a stupid bird and think for once, Samuel! if you keep being so careless someone will get you. and at this point i wouldn't even care if someone did get you. it would give me a break from you whining all the time!
The wings only prove what a bird brain you are. useless and stupid. you can't even fly, can you now?
Samuel shook his head, eyes pressed closed, his ears covered by his palms. a sob rattled through his chest. it hurt as it broke out, pressing against his bruised ribs on its way up.
HIDE!
HIDE!
HIDE!
his mind screamed.
CRASH
glass shattered.
steps were roaming through his house now, through his safe place, through his little universe. they invaded his space, coming in through the window downstairs.
Samuel shuddered as he scanned his room for any hiding place. the horrid cold fear which spread through his body immobilizing him. then, the window.
throwing the window open, Samuel felt dread settle deep in his bones.
it was way to high.
he would break some of his bones and wouldn't be able to escape. there were multiple pairs of feet running up the stairs now. Samuel shook with sobs as the realization settled that there was no way out.
in a last attempt to stay positive, Samuel's mind strung together the possibility that maybe, just maybe, those people would help him escape. that they have noticed his struggle and fear and would end up being kind souls out to help him.
the steps stopped.
now, there was only the old wooden door separating Samuel from the other side. his heart was pounding so loud that it drowned out the whispers from behind the wall of wood and hope.
frozen in place he stood there, watching as the handle turned slowly. it let out an agonizing creak as it was pushed down. then, the door flew open, crashing against the wall. now he could be sure at last... those people were not here to help him.... yet. Samuel's horrified screams were carried out the open window and through the cool morning air only for a few moments. the melodic and calming chirping of birds accompanying them before the screams died down.