South

The southern part of the city has a chic family-oriented sort of charm to it. Here, small locally owned shops run rampant, neighbors often know each other by name, and the monthly socials are an event not to be missed. In the South, children can often be seen safely playing in the park or on sidewalks and in the weekends, families often take to the beach to enjoy the warm waters surrounding the city.

What You'll Find Here

Ascension Center of Equitation
Hyde Park
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
The Outskirts
The University of Sacrosanct

I lay me down, but I get no release


Posted on October 10, 2018 by Lannie Smith
South
Lannie Smith
I close my eyes and dream that I'm awake

The man seemed to have a genuine interest with their conversation even though Lannie seemed to possess the miraculous ability to butcher any sentence into complete incoherency. "O-oh well, thanks," Lannie fidgeted with the sleeves of her sweater as the gentleman flashed a smirk. This made her cheeks turn a shade deeper. Scanning him, she noticed how the man slouched harshly. "I wonder if he has a back problem? Ah, best not to ask about it." Shaking her head, she convinced herself that it was a rude question to bring up. As she unintentionally introduced herself fully to the man who towered above her. "Really, how tall is this man?" Lannie gazed in awe as she recognized how the top of her head probably didn't even reach the point of his neck even when he stood there hunched over. She listened as he charmingly introduced himself. "Nice to meet you Erik," she gave a warm smile in return.

As she was lost in her thoughts, she heard Erik suddenly ask if she had a lot on her mind. "Oh," she flushed again, tugging on her earlobe. "No-well, I mean yes," she sighed lightly. "It's not like he'd understand it if I explained it to him anyway," she thought with the dark figure lurking at the back of her mind. "Let's say the park helps keep my mind off of...things," her voice seemed to trail off with the sudden gust of wind. Shivering from the sudden breeze, she tugged the sleeves of her sweater down to cover her hands. Wanting to wipe away any more anxious thoughts, she decided she would continue the conversation with Erik. "How about you?" Lannie asked curiously as she looked up to make eye contact with the man. She watched as his gaze seemed to trail off a bit. Motioning towards the bench, she offered, "Do you want to join me?"


She paused a minute as she saw the man contemplating the offer. Her legs were getting tired though, so she plopped back on the bench. "It's a bit chillier than I anticipated," Lannie stated as she tugged her plaid woven scarf higher to cover part of her chin. After a little bit of silence fell between them, Lannie pulled out her sketchbook again. It seemed as though Erik had a genuine fascination for art, so she thought she might as well amuse him with her sketches. "Here," she said as she handed Erik the sketch book. "You seemed like you'd be interested in looking at more. I-I guess I do need other critiques if I want to improve anyway," laughing nervously she stared at her worn boots. Lannie never knew how to react to criticism, let alone from a complete stranger. It was something she had never felt comfortable with but for some reason, she felt that the man she just met, didn't mean her any harm. It was strange that she let her guard down in that short of time. Just who was this man?


"Erik, are you from around here?" Lannie questioned, wondering if she might be able to see him on her daily strolls to the park.

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