Fallen

Dex

I approached my mailbox, eager to see if there was anything interesting inside. To my surprise, I found an envelope with my name neatly written on it. Excitement coursed through me as I hurriedly made my way back to my room, curiosity piqued by the mysterious sender. Opening the envelope, I discovered a heartfelt love letter inviting me to meet the author on the rooftop the following day at six o'clock. I couldn't help but wonder who would write such a romantic message at our age.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture, I sank onto my bed, allowing exhaustion to overtake me. I must have dozed off because I was abruptly awakened by the sound of someone entering my room. My eyes shot open, and I found Dex standing before me, his expression filled with pain. His words tumbled out, revealing the depths of his despair. He spoke of failed relationships, seeking solace in drugs, and contemplating ending his own life. Shocked and concerned, I couldn't stay silent.

Rising to my feet, I reached out and slapped Dex gently but firmly, hoping to shake him out of his dark thoughts. "Stop! Stop talking like that, man," I urged, my voice filled with earnestness. "You're young, and you have so much ahead of you. Turning to drugs or ending your life won't solve anything. Yes, there will be heartbreak and pain, but there will also be love and joy. Don't give up on yourself or love just because things are tough right now. Think about your friends, your family, and most importantly, yourself. You haven't experienced everything you want to in life yet. Don't let the darkness consume you."

Dex looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and resignation. "I don't care anymore. I can't find happiness, and the world feels so dark and empty. Ever since I graduated, it's been like this." Feeling a surge of frustration and empathy, I approached him and delivered a punch to his arm, not out of anger, but out of desperation. "At least you have memories, Dex," I said, my voice tinged with bitterness. "My entire life has been a series of tragedies and loss. From watching my sister sacrifice herself to save me in a house fire, to losing my memories and having to rebuild my life, only to lose it all over again. I'm just floating in an empty space, without direction or anyone by my side."

Sighing heavily, I decided to change the subject. "Forget about it," I muttered, retreating to my room and closing the door behind me. Exhausted and emotionally drained, I allowed sleep to claim me once more. Little did I know that the nightmares that plagued my subconscious would soon become vivid and unsettling.

I abruptly awoke, gasping for breath as if I were drowning. The voice of a girl calling out a name echoed in my ears, but I couldn't make out the words. Strangely, I visualized a red ruby necklace, its significance eluding me. Coughing and disoriented, I struggled to regain my composure, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream that had left me feeling unsettled.

Gathering my thoughts, I attended my classes with renewed determination, diligently taking notes and absorbing the knowledge being imparted. As the final bell rang, I made my way back to my dorm, counting down the minutes until six o'clock. Dex emerged from his room, and this time, his remorse was palpable. "I'm sorry about yesterday, man," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "My girlfriend left me, and it hit me hard."

I looked at Dex, a mix of sympathy and concern in my eyes. "I understand, but you have to stop turning to drugs. They'll only bring you more pain and could ruin your life. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Once you graduate from college, you'll be ready to tackle the world and find a love that's worth it. Don't go looking for love; let it find you. Trust me on that."

Dex smiled gratefully, appreciating the support. "Thanks, man," he said, his voice filled with newfound hope. As the clock ticked closer to six, we bid each other farewell, and I made my way up to the rooftop, anticipation coursing through me.

As I reached the rooftop, what awaited me was beyond anything I could have imagined.