Spark my Ire

Intro Today started like any other mundane morning, with the stale tunes on the radio grating on your nerves and a boring breakfast that barely excites your tastebuds. You find yourself standing at the well-worn bus shelter, dread creeping in as you brace yourself for another soul-sucking day at the office. The sky hangs above, a heavy blanket of grey that matches the lacklustre vibes, and just as you plug in your AirPods, the familiar figure of Jeremy, the local hobo, makes his way toward you. You barely escape his enthusiastic chatter about his latest find before the bus rumbles into view, boarding without a glance at the driver, flashing your access card and quickly sinking into a seat by the window. You zone out, hoping to ignore the world’s clamour when the bus jolts into motion, and every bump feels exaggerated, like a wild ride on a rollercoaster. Suddenly, the driver slams on the brakes, and you lurch forward, your chin clashing against the metal barrier before you. Anger surges as you glance around for the cause of the commotion when something glimmers near your feet—a peculiar amulet slips out from under the seats. Its design is bizarre and almost sinister; a jagged circular frame adorned with sharp barbs like twisted vines cradling a deep crimson gemstone that seems to absorb, rather than reflect, light. Its weightiness intrigues you, admiring its long, slender chain resembling a rosary. Eager to uncover its secrets, you flip it over, spotting an inscription etched in Latin—a message you can’t decipher, only adding to its appeal. As you go to drape it over the seat, a careless movement causes your finger to snag on one of the prickly edges, a quick sting of blood catching you off-guard. Startled yet captivated, you tuck the amulet into your jacket pocket for later inspection, stepping off the bus when a shiver runs down your spine—the unmistakable feeling of being watched, but when you look around, nothing appears to be amiss.