[o] The dissonance of purgatory

Luka

I know there are angels singing somewhere
I hope they sing for us

The light alerts him first, a glow of color that has no business being in the sheltered depths of the cavern he’s found himself in. No business being such a calming shade either for the way it doesn’t startle him half as bad as an unexpected presence might otherwise have. Luka’s torso twists to anxiously seek answers regardless, hand reaching sharply for his discarded clothes and the protections that lie within. Why is it even those few feet away? He’s a fool, he let his guard down again, the echo of steps are approaching and he isn’t ready -

But what turns the corner is an animal, not a sickly-sweet-smiling woman. Luka’s shoulders remain stiff, leery and unconvinced. It’s unlikely this is a wild animal, and Luka doesn’t feel any better knowing there’s a person in there somewhere, unreadable and unknown.

“You lost?” Maybe that’s why they’d shifted, to try and find their way out with better senses. Groping blindly for his clothes behind him without taking his eyes away, Luka tries to control his expression into something mild and less hunted. “I can lead you out. Or leave, if you’re lookin’ for a spot.” He’s not usually keen on company these days - if he ever was - but he’s never been able to stop himself from offering to help people. It’s the only way he knows how to be useful. Worth something.

For our bruised mouths are an act of resistance
and our singing hearts, together, make a beautiful prayer