Time Maze

Catching a Ride

The moment Tyson left; Marcus became even more agitated. However, this time it wasn't his boredom that kept him on edge but the worry about his friend.

He and Tyson were as different as two people could be, but they respected and supported each other no matter what. It was as if they complimented each other. Tyson kept Marcus grounded, and in turn, Marcus showed him that it was okay to relax, to stop carrying the weight of the world on one's shoulders.

They knew each other so well that sometimes they didn't need to speak to communicate with each other. Even when Marcus's behavior wasn't the most intelligent one, part of him could sense what Tyson was thinking. Consequently, it kept him from completely slipping into his rose-colored view of the world.

"What if something happens to him? How am I supposed to carry on without him?" Marcus thought, pacing the room.

He stopped by the door and contemplated going after Tyson. It occurred to him that if they were together, they could face anything.

However, he remembered that most of the dangerous situations they faced were his fault, that they were caused by him not listening to his friend. Thus, he continued pacing the room nervously.

For the first time, he realized how much he relied on Tyson and how little appreciation he showed for the guy. He believed that Tyson would always be there for him. It never even occurred to him that one day Tyson might be gone. That he might be taken away by death, bad people, or destiny.

"Now I am going crazy thinking about destiny and all that nonsense I don't even believe in," Marcus grumbled to himself.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, days, and with every passing moment, Marcus was more and more tempted to go outside and look for Tyson.

After some time, two loud bangs were heard, startling Marcus from his musings and driving him into panic mode. For some reason, unknown even to himself, he immediately started towards the door, towards the danger.

Luckily for him, and probably the world, that was the exact moment Tyson entered the room, and they almost ran into each other.

"Tyson! You are okay!" Marcus exclaimed, clutching Tyson in a tight bear hug.

"I will be if you stop crushing my ribs," Tyson said exaggeratedly.

"Sorry, I was just worried, and then I heard the gunshots, and I was..." Marcus rambled.

"Let's go inside," Tyson said, noting the odd looks that a woman passing on the way to her room gave them.

One would think that she would have more important things to think about, namely the loud gunshots that were heard by everyone in the area. However, she seemed more concerned about petty gossip than what would turn out to be a life-altering event.

Once inside, Tyson led Marcus to sit down and provided him with a delicious meat sandwich.

The moment Marcus smelled the mouthwatering aroma of meat, he dug in like a lion tearing into his prey. It was as if the food gave him the necessary strength and calmness to go on with his day.

"I was already inside when the shots were fired, so I was in no real danger," Tyson said.

"Wat? I tought the assassination was ovel," Marcus mumbled with his mouth full.

"That was the first, unsuccessful attempt. The bomb wasn't well thrown, and the target wasn't ever in any real danger. Later on, your buddy got the perfect opportunity, and he took advantage of it," Tyson said.

"I still can't believe Gavrilo could kill anyone in cold blood," Marcus said, having swallowed the last of his first sandwich.

"Marcus, we all have the potential to kill, the instinct in us. It just depends on what would make a person snap or believe that killing was justified," Tyson said.