the abandoned theatre part 14

I don't know if I can handle much more of this. My head is spinning. Too much of my memory exists here. I open my eyes slowly and spot an older boy. A recent memory. Although still a boy, he has lost many of his childish features. He stands there all alone while shadows move around him in a circle. He tries to grasp at them, but they keep moving. He is calling out. To me?

My mouth locks up and my head begins to burn. He continues to cry out more urgently. His words pierce me like fiery arrows. I try to wave but my arms are lead. He falls to the floor and the shadows depart. He is alone. There is no one else. Darkness begins to creep into the room. It devours my vision. Only my foresight can see him now... the pitiful lump in the earth. Coldness. A chill runs through me. Still no one comes. No one is here with him except...

"I am here."

Suddenly I realize my eyes are closed. As they open the many cabinets appear once more. The "I tried my best" folder remains glued to the floor. Staring at it for a while made my head stop spinning. My body begins to function once more.

I turn and see a momentary flash. A cabinet lies open nearby. Is there another person here? The "Moments when the world was yours." cabinet is open. A folder rests open on the floor, but I do not know what it says. My senses tell me it is of great importance.

As I try to pick up the contents I am rushed into another space. I hear sea birds cry out to the breaking waves. The smell of sand fills my nose and the sound of laughter rings in my ears. There are others in the water. I spot the boy amidst them. Standing nearby is... No... could it be?

The Woman of Optimism's face is hidden by her tangled hair. Only her mouth is visible. It's half-heartedly smiling. Her hand reaches for her pocket... and she begins to fade away.

My words are carried away by a strong, salty breeze as she vanishes completely. Some old men sitting on a bench behind me snort. I turn to the left and reply defiantly.

"I am here."

Each time those words come from me I feel stronger. The sea shore is the cabinet room now. The Woman couldn't have gone far. I see yet another cabinet open. It reads on the label "Monsters in the shadows" and yet another folder is on the ground. She must have ventured to that dream... or reality.

I decide to wait for her arrival. As I casually glance around I spot a cabinet I cannot resist opening. It is marked "What I need most". A grimace appears on my face as I pull out a random folder cautiously. It reads "Now." with a noticeable period at the end of now as if it were placed there specifically for a reason or cryptic purpose.

My head turns to the left as I leave the room of cabinets once more and venture into "Now.".