Poison

 Moonlight trickled down its starry path and onto the silent road. Each cobblestone glistened under the moon’s gaze. Nothing but ice cold air pierced the air with its crisp scent. The stone buildings on one side of the road rose high into the sky as if trying to catch a star. On the opposite side, a vast ocean stood still before a hooded man. This man pondered quietly over the city behind him. It was such a pity that a marvelous sight would be so poisoned under its sleek and shiny coating.
 As the stars grew dimmer, the poison seemed clearer. Rats that seemed to have appeared in midair rested on the edge of the road, determining the best way to spread their sickness. A violent cough from nowhere caught the man’s attention. Though it should give him no surprise, he was disturbed by it. One moment ago, the world had seemed at peace. Slowly, that fantasy ebbed away into nothingness. The man realized this place would surrender no rest for him. He slipped silently into the dwindling shadows as the sun rose to reveal the true horror of the effects of the poison.