Michael
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“They say your hook only goes as far as your line is.” Said the 30 year old man sitting relaxed on the chair in front of me. He studied me before speaking again. “So, Michael. How long is your line? How far can you cast your hook into the sea of people? And how much will you let them take?”
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I huffed half heartedly. This was stupid. I don’t know what he’s asking me. Yet here I am, sitting in the counselor's office, talking about my past, while the rest of the world continues through its darkest days. I stare back at him as cold and calculating as I could muster. “If you think I have any clue what you’re talking about, you’re wrong.” I say, shrugging my shoulders when he sighed in annoyance. The timer on his desk buzzed, marking the end of this torture session, and I immediately stand, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “See you next week, bud.” He said as I walked out of the room. “Mhm.” I muttered. I pushed open the door and walked down the hallway, looking down at my phone, muttering annoyed nothings to myself as I walked alone down the hall. I could hear the basketballs in the gym pounding into the floor in the gym as I walked, along with the screaming of a crowd and cheerleaders. Basketball game. I continued walking, the noise a backdrop to my wandering thoughts. I let my mind drift from one thing to another. From schoolwork, to the interactions with my friends today. They were my best friends. My only real ones. I smile softly at the thought of knowing I’m not alone anymore.
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Jake, my best friend and brother in everything but blood. He was our fighter, protector, and the thing that kept us from getting into quarrels. Ava, she was probably the one who initiated most fights. Her anger issues made her dangerous to anyone who dared to hurt us or anyone else within her sight. She decides to stand up and step in for others who can’t fight or don’t have the guts to, and she never lost a fight. And Ainsley, the strongest and kindest girl you’ll ever meet. She kept us together when we were mad at each other, like glue on delicate tissue paper. Jake and I have known each other since we were kids. Ava came along when she stood up for me when Jake wasn’t there a day because he was sick(Yes, I was bullied). Ainsley had been Ava’s friend and when Jake and I both got beat up, Ava fought the ones who hurt us, and Ainsley cleaned us up. Ainsley trained for first aid so neither of us had any problem with it, even if Jake ended up hitting her off of his pure reflex when she had to clean his wounds with alcohol wipes.
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The lights going off made me freeze, coming back to reality for that moment. I look around, confused. I listened for the sound of the basketballs, the crowd cheering, or even just the soft chant of any cheerleader. But I heard no noise. No AC humming in the ceiling. No clocks ticking its joints one by one. No wind blowing against the building. Nothing. Nothing except eerie, still silence. BZZZZ! My phone’s buzz made my soul nearly leave my body. I fumbled with my phone, hastily getting it out of my pocket. It started beeping with the emergency alarm. The same sound I’d hear from a weather warning. But when I heard what the voice had to say, I could feel my blood strain from my face and my legs going weak. “Warning! Warning! An infectious oral spreading disease has been released into the public! This disease is HIGHLY TOXIC! DO NOT PURPOSEFULLY ENGAGE WITH THE DISEASED OR ANYONE WHO HAS! It is advised everyone stay indoors until further notice-” The voice stopped short. For a couple seconds it was silent before deadly screaming could be heard over the radio. I listened in horror. The sound of cracking could be heard and then more silence. The line goes dead. I stand alone in the dark hallway, shocked and frozen. I thought for a moment, collecting my thoughts, before my mind clicked with adrenaline and a plan. I tapped my phone’s messages with urgency, texting the group chat that included Jake, Ava, and Ainsley. ‘Are you guys all safe? Meet up at the school if you’re not already here before it gets dark…Stay safe guys.’ Said the message as I hit send. I then go to text my family’s group chat including my mom and my dad. ‘I’m safe at school. Jake, Ava, and Ainsley should be here soon if they aren’t already. I love you guys. Stay safe.’ Read the text, hitting send with my shaky hands. I heard a moan down the hall that made my spine crawl with unease. I slowly turned around. “Hello…?” I said, my voice shaking. I shoved my phone into my pocket and quickly grabbed my pocket knife. I peered around the corner to try and see who or what it was. I was swiftly tackled by a large, strong figure. I grunt as I used my knowledge of wrestling to my advantage. I stabbed the knife into the beings gut multiple times as it snapped its teeth like an animal. After the tenth time of stabbing it, it collapsed beside me. I looked for its blood but there wasn’t any to be seen. I scrambled to my feet. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared down at the face. He was definitely not human anymore. His skin was pale and his eyes were whited over with a film-like substance. Geez this stuff was nasty. I chuckled to myself at a thought despite the darkness around the country right now. And they said never bring a knife to school. I thought.
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“MICHAEL!!” I hear a voice scream down the hallway. A female’s voice filled with fear and hope all at once. I turn to see Ainsley rushing to me as Jake and Ava rounded the corner. I safely put my knife away and embrace her. She was shaking and sounded scared. I looked up at Jake and Ava for an explanation. But Ava looked dazed and shocked too as her metal bat drug alongside her. I shifted my gaze to Jake, who stared at me with the same fear of the unknown in everyone’s mind and soul right now. I tried to speak in a calming voice as I held Ainsley closer. “It’s okay. It’s okay. I’ve got you. You're safe.” With each word I held her closer. A soundless reminder that I wouldn’t let go. I opened my other arm to Jake and Ava. Ava slowly walked over with the same dazed expression before letting herself be enveloped in my arms. Jake came up behind Ava and Ainsley. With his help, we created a protective barrier with our arms around the girls. We swore an oath to never leave or betray each other the day we all met. It had just seemed like something silly and kiddish to do then but now, it meant everything. The reality set in for me. Trust meant everything now and whatever was to come, we’d have each other every step of the way.
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