Adventure Bay High

The Injured

TW: PTSD, gun violence

'Wocky?'

Zuma found himself lying in a pale, white bed in a pale, white room which welcomed nausea. He looked up, as it was the only part of his body he could move. The grey-haired boy ran over and hugged him as he spoke.

'Ow...'

'Sorry...'

Rocky sat down next to him. Zuma could tell he had been crying as his eyes were puffy and sore, and his cheeks were reflecting the lights from the tears that sat on his pale face.

'Geez Wocky. I'm not dead...'

'But I thought you were going to. You really frightened me.'

'I wasn't going to watch you get huwt.'

'I'm so lucky to have you as my boyfriend. You saved me.'

'Anyone would have done it cos you'we actually quite a likeable pewson.'

Rocky gave a small smile. The two jumped as the door opened and Everest ran in.

'Sorry. I wasn't interrupting anything, was I? I went to see Skye, and she is okay. How are you Zuma? You feeling better? I heard you lost a lot of blood.'

'Wow Evewest. Bweathe please, or else you'll need to be in hospital too.'

Everest gave a small chuckle.

'Sorry.'

'I'm fine.'

'There we go. See, Rocky? I told you he would be okay. You can stop stress-shopping now.'

'You stwess-shop?'

Everest laughed again and left.

'What?'

'You didn't answew my question.'

'Yes I do, but that doesn't matter...'

Zuma laughed.

'You wewe wowwied about me? That's a stawt.'

'I always have. Always will. Even when you've left university.'

'That's ambitious.'

Rocky laughed.

'Sewiously though Wocky. We might not even be togethew by then.'

'I'm still keeping you as my friend. Face it, I'm going to stay with you and you'll have to get used to it.'

Zuma laughed.

'Guess I'll have to. But Wocky?'

'Yeah?'

'Can you ... stay the night?'

'If I'm allowed to.'

'Thanks.'

                                                                                               ***

Screams. Yelling. Running. Blood.

He couldn't escape. He couldn't hide anymore.

But he wanted to.

'Say your prayers.'

The gun was at his head. It was over.

Except it wasn't.

Someone was coming.

He was safe.

But his friends weren't.

At first it was a blur, but now it was clear as day. Too clear.

And in slow motion. He couldn't skip the scene. He had to sit and watch.

Screams. Blood. Lots of blood. Another friend collapsing on the floor.

Someone was behind him with a gun.

BANG!

                                                                                             ***

Rocky woke up in a sweat. He looked around. It was only a dream. He sighed with relief. He looked down at Zuma. He looked so peaceful. His hair was brushed out of his face, showing long eyelashes on his soft, brown skin. Rocky smiled, and went back to sleep.

word count; 453

total; 24643