Runaway // Matthew Espinosa

Chapter 15

Dinner with Matt's family was fun. I loved seeing us all together. I didn't want to leave quite yet. You know after Matt and I kissed, I just keep on feeling like our love from high school is coming back.

I hugged his parents goodbye and then walked to Matt. Our parents had walked outside onto the driveway, leaving me and Matt in the house.

"You're going to be alright with me?" I teased him.

"Pffft, yeah." He acted as if he didn't care, like it was no big deal. I could tell that he was nervous.

"Well, goodnight Matt." I smiled and turned towards the door since my mom was probably waiting on me.

Matt grabbed my hand and pulled me back to him. We were face to face, before he engulfed me into his arms and whispered,"Goodnight." I hugged him back, feeling reluctant on letting go. I had to and did, painfully might I say.

Matt and I walked outside together. He shoved his hands into his pockets and watched me as I walked down to my mom's car. I got in and waved goodbye to Matt and his family. I watched until he was out of sight and then sighed.

"I miss him mom." I groaned, out of frustration. I wished he could just remember.

"He'll be back." My mom put her hand on mine.

The short drive, probably 5 minutes, was silent for the most part. We were both consumed by our thoughts. What was occupying my mom's mind that made her miserable in the morning? I decide I would ask now, since we were home.
My mom set her keys down on the island in the kitchen.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" I took a seat on the barstool.

"Of course Zoe." My mom smiled.

"Why were you so miserable this morning? I know you're upset, mom, don't lie to me." I explained and was determined to know.

"Honey, um I really don't know how to tell you this." My mom made her way over to me.

I re-thought about everyone who I cared for. My friends, family, and Matt. They were all physically okay as of now. Matt had forgotten everything but he was okay.

"Last night, Sawyer fell asleep and he wasn't responding, so I took him to the vet and they told me they had to put him down. I'm so sorry baby." My mom began tearing up.

As for me, I wasn't quite processing. Sawyer was problem still around. Maybe he was upstairs. He liked sitting on my bed. I got up and dashed upstairs.

"Come here Sawyer, come here baby. I'm home. I missed you." I kept calling out for him and every time I did, his passing began to sink in.

Had I really just lost Sawyer? I couldn't have, was he really gone? He was the last piece of Matt I had. Matt was so excited to meet him. I missed him. Sawyer was a part of our family. Sawyer was actually gone.

Tears uncontrollably fell out of my eyes. I dropped onto my bed and cried. I wanted to be alone. I wiped my tears and changed into some sweats. I laid down and my tears had returned.
That familiar feeling of sadness that filled my heart, was returning.

My phone began ringing and I checked to see who it was. Matt's name showed up on my screen. I really didn't want to talk but he may need me. He is sleeping without me around for the first time. I stopped my crying and picked up the phone.

M: "Hey Zoe."

Z: "Hi Matt."

M: "Are you okay?! Why are you crying?!"

Z: "Don't worry about me, what's going on?"

M: "I was, I uh just missed you. That was stupid, I shouldn't have said that."