Blue Serenity

The ocean breeze tickled his face as it passed by. The small wooden boat rocked in perfect harmony with the calm waves. Aiden slowly lifted his head from the boat and stared out across the stretch of shimmering blue. Patches of clouds provided the perfect balance of sun and shade while the sea birds chirped a beautiful melody he could lose himself in for hours. He slowly rose to his feet and grew accustom to the beauty around him.
Suddenly, he realized why he had come out here in the first place. He reached under one of the seats and pulled out some paper and sketching pencils. His hands soared across the paper, creating fantastic curves and shapes all over the canvas. It had felt like only moments had passed when his hand fell to his side, revealing his work. On the page was a woman laying across a grassy hill. Her body was kissed by the sun's gleam and her ebony hair cascaded in all directions. She was perfection. She slowly lifted herself off the page and smiled lovingly at Aiden. He could feel her touch, her warmth, and her heart. He was in bliss.
Sirens shattered the foggy morning as Aiden groggily opened his eyes. His body was sore and he had felt like sleep had drained him of all his energy rather than rejuvenate him. He painfully pulled on a shirt and shorts and limped to the cold cramped kitchen. His mother, preparing for her arduous work day she was already late for, was startled by her son. "Honey," she said sweetly, "the doctors said you need to stay in bed. I'll bring you breakfast."Without a word he nodded and made his way back to his room. A few moments later his mother brought in a plate of soggy eggs and burnt toast. "Please be good," she said as she kissed his forehead. He nodded once again silently as she hastily left.
Rain began to trickle down against the window, irritating Aiden with every resonating drop. He pushed the food aside and lowered himself to the bed once again. His eyes shut tightly as he prayed through tears to see the ocean again.

Window

It was dark outside. The flickering lights did little to illuminate the streets. The scream of sirens in the distance occasionally broke the silence. All I could do was stare out the window. Nothing could be seen from the second-story apartment, but all I could do was stare.
The darkness was welcoming and soothing in the spinning reality I was thrown into. Small shapes that I could make out turned into dancing figments of my imagination. I found serenity in darkness and I did not want to let it slip away. This window gave me a portal into a world of unknown but also a sense of peace. No screaming, no anger, no hate. It was just darkness and my mind hand-in-hand. I let myself fall further into the new world and saw past the shadows and heard more than the sirens. Comfort and acceptance was found in every corner. I was free to think as I pleased in the oasis through the piece of glass. It was all I ever wanted.
But I know it could not last. Escape had only gotten me so far, and running into the darkness would get me nowhere. I tore myself from the window and made my way back into bed. Her loving eyes slowly opened as I took my position next to her.
"Where did you go?" she asked.
"Nowhere. I'll always be here."