Pivot

Silence resounds and echoes off slate like the sound of lost innocence. The cavern is empty save for the slight couple upon the floor, tangled in embrace. Tears fall in duet to the ground, splattering on dust that has not tasted water for a thousand years. Utterly alone, but in a way they never could have imagined.

They are motionless, completely and totally still. Even their lungs scarcely move for fear of destroying this moment. Emerald eyes stare into what seems to be a mirror, so flawlessly alike are they.

Finally, an audible breath, an intake of air that releases itself in a sudden burst like a dam breaking. Identical sobs are torn from the depths of frail chests, and the pair clutches at each other desperately. Limbs shake and hands grasp, reaching for comfort that both know will only be found within themselves.

It is here where they have been locked away, shunned and shut out of society. Left only with each other, and in the shared dark of the cave, they miss the light.

Lips brush, and one sighs. A tearful voice, clear like bells on Sunday morning,

"Will we ever be free?"

The slightest of pauses.

"No."

They move together, milky pale skin touching as one cries and the other holds. Fingers interlace, and the stronger one listens to the sobs as they ricochet around empty space.

All the clocks in the world have stopped just for them.