https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2-4.mov The one with the caution tape around it,” Jioni said as if it were one word. “And you aren’t allowed to come, so don’t follow me! Love you guys, bye!” Before Brandon or Kathy could get a word, Jioni waved once and ran away. She was already able to hear their footsteps behind her …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2-3.mov “Does it have something to do with this flannel?” Kathy asked then sat back down. “And you swear my jeans were a fashion disaster–how the mighty have fallen.” “No, ignore the flannel,” Jioni said. “So turns out today, I’m-um going across the park?” “Oh, ok, so the red building?” Brandon asked. “No, you know, …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2-2-1.mp4 “So, um, you know—uh—how’s it going?” Jioni said as she avoided eye contact. Brandon and Kathy looked at each other and then back at Jioni. Brandon’s eyebrows lowered, and he made direct eye contact. He said nothing and sat up straight; on the other hand, Kathy’s expression was difficult to read since her bangs …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2-1-1.mp4 Jioni tried before to go around, but learned quickly it was impossible. The trees that grew there were thick, strong, and unmoveable; the city officials cleared the trees in the park but couldn’t be bothered to do it anywhere else. Jioni rubbed her chin as she looked around the area. Then strolled on the …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-24.mov While near, she could see the bright pink hair of her friend, Kathy: her bangs tended to drape over her eyes. She dressed in one-legged ripped jeans and knee-high socks. Kathy swore that the style would catch on—it wouldn’t. Brandon stood beside her: he donned a red hoodie and orange-red curly bangs. It managed …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-23.mp4 Just as she began to leave, already in a running position, Hippie Girl grabbed her shoulder. Her hand gripped tight enough to cause some pain but not too much. “Not saying something would happen to you, but if it does, I can keep your stuff, right?” Hippie Girl asked. “Even if I had stuff, …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-22_.mp4 “Let me keep it instead, and you have a deal.” Hippie Girl frowned and rolled her eyes. “Fine, keep them—It’s the least I can do since you’re crazy.” “Crazy?” “Crazy as in—every person I told about the apartments declined to go—kind of crazy. That’s why I like you, Jioni. You’re crazy.” Hippie Girl shoved …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-21-1.mov Hippie girl presented her with a flashlight and a strange weapon: a pair of nunchucks, each with two wrenches connected by a chain. “Isn’t this thing cool? I’ll let you borrow these both if you go to the abandoned apartment place,” Hippie Girl sang. Jioni covered half her face with her hand, then moved …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-20-Frame.mp4 “I can’t—I mean, why don’t you come with me since you think it’s so safe?” “I never said it was safe. I said it wasn’t illegal,” Hippie Girl replied. Jioni walked away. Hippie Girl was right, but losing her life didn’t seem that appealing—but Jioni would be lying to herself if she didn’t admit …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-19-1.mp4 Jioni stood up, and her head throbbed. A chilled memory of being inside that abandoned apartment building deterred her from the idea—she swore she’d never return. The apartment was unstable; she only made it to the second floor before her heart pounded and instinct told her to leave altogether: burned on the inside, yet …
