Made in the Dark

The Question of "Why" (2)

Tallahassee Florida, Present day

Elijah Mattsson woke up screaming.

    His heart was pounding and he was drenched in sweat, terrified of a nightmare he couldn't remember.

    He took a second to get his bearings before reaching for the pill bottle on his nightstand. He downed a couple dry, choking at the sudden force. He breathed deeply as his eyes adjusted, and what spotty memories were there came flooding back

Bright lights.

Loud music.

Too much of the same sour liquid as it slipped down his throat.

Too much. It was all too much.

If Elijah noticed the date sooner, he probably wouldn't have gotten out of bed. But he did.

11 years, 10 states, 6 therapists, and a master's degree later and he doesn't feel any saner than the day he left home. He promised he was going to be better, but that's alright.

Since when does anyone care anyway?

    Out the radio drifted soft tunes his newest therapist, Dr. Barbra Marin, recommended he listen to. Elijah trudged through his little apartment, kicking abandoned items out of his path. The stoves flickered to life, and Elijah couldn't help but be entranced by the flame.

Isn't there such beauty in such destruction?

    Today, children across the country were preparing for the abrupt stop of freedom. They packed as much into the day, knowing they would be packing their bags tomorrow instead. Today doesn't mean anything to Elijah, though it should. He hasn't noticed the Callander on his wall, marking the day as September 6th. He will drag himself through the motions required until he inevitably notices what has been staring him in the face.

    Then, like every year, Elijah will drown out whatever humanity is left within him, if only for a couple of hours. However, who can judge what has not yet happened? Perhaps this year will be different. Maybe this year will be better. Maybe he will be better.

The last day of summer vacation does not mean what it used to be for Elijah.

It means everything and more.