YEAR: 2041
YEAR: 2041-2042
YEAR: 2042
YEAR: 2042
Post by LORENZO DELAROSA on Nov 16, 2019 8:35:46 GMT -5
Enzo had never been a fan of crowds. They were too noisy, too unpredictable, and anyone stuck in one was guaranteed to have their personal space invaded. He didn’t like that, didn’t like to be touched by strangers. Didn’t like to be jostled by those not paying attention to their surroundings. It was why Enzo avoided crowds, big and small, as best he could. There was no sense in putting himself in situations that would bring out the worst in him. But he couldn’t avoid this, he thought as he pushed open Gringotts grand entrance doors. Being the only bank in the wizarding world meant that Gringotts was always busy, even as early in the morning as this. It wasn’t even eight yet and there was already a steadily growing cluster of patrons filling up the foyer. Enzo’s mood darkened, a frown deepening the persistent furrow between his brows as he navigated his way around them, sure to keep as much distance between himself and everyone else as possible. He walked quickly and tried to ignore the flutter of nervousness in the pit of his stomach. He could remember the first time he’d felt it, years ago, when he’d arrived at Gringotts for the first of several interviews. It had sprung from a place of excitement back then, when he’d been standing on the precipice of a new, better chapter of his life. From a place of longing. He had spent years counting down the days until he could leave his aunt’s house and be free of her anger and neglect. Back then, Gringotts had represented freedom. Now, he didn’t know what it represented, because that flutter of nervousness he felt now came from a place of anxiety. Each time he crossed the marble foyer, he felt it – the fear of walking into the unknown. Of not knowing what was waiting for him. Of a deep-rooted panic that something bad was going to happen. He needed to get over it, and quickly. He was a curse-breaker. It was the only thing he was good at, the only thing he’d ever wanted to do. He couldn’t let a near-death experience poison that for him, no matter how terrifying it had been. After all, he had known the job was dangerous when he’d signed up for it. Hadn’t that been part of the appeal? As he slipped through the gilded doors at the far end of the room, past the guards posted outside, Enzo found he could breathe a little easier. This . . . whatever he was feeling . . . always seemed easier to manage when he was on his own. When he didn’t have to perform normality for others, pretending he was fine when he felt anything but. Here, hidden away from the crowds, from the rest of the world, Enzo could start to feel more like himself again. He followed the winding corridors down into the heart of the building, to the offices where the curse-breakers worked when they weren’t on assignment. He’d spent all his time down here since returning to the job a few weeks ago. It had once felt like a punishment but lately he’d been strangely at peace with it. He’d been told, by healers and his counsellor, to take things slowly. To ease back into life one small step at a time. He told himself he was listening to the advice of those who knew better than he did, but deep down Enzo knew he was just scared. He also knew he’d have to go back into the field eventually, but he just wasn’t ready. Not yet. Luckily, he had someone in his corner. Enzo’s feet stopped outside an office with its door ajar. Poking his head inside, he knocked gently as his eyes found the only occupant. He felt the same confusing mess of emotions as every other time he saw Elizabeth – regret mixed with frustration, gratitude mixed with distrust. Stepping inside the room, it took everything in Enzo not to glare at her. Old habits really did die hard. ”Morning,” he began as he slowly made his way towards her. ”I, uh . . . I stopped to get breakfast on the way in and they gave me extra.” He didn’t add that he’d been given extra because he’d asked for it. She didn’t need to know that part. ”Something about loyalty schemes or whatever.” He didn’t like this. It felt unnatural and forced, but he was trying hard to not be a dick to her. Not after the kindness she’d shown him when she really hadn't needed to. Not after she’d reached out when so few others had. ”You want?” Enzo asked, holding up a paper bag, brows gently arched. He even managed the barest smile. If that wasn’t progress, he didn’t know what was. |
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