Submerge

E T H A N

E T H A N

My life was a whirlwind of motion, an intricate dance of academics, athletics, and social circles. At 16, I embraced the rhythm of life, reveling in its vibrant tapestry.

With a surgeon for a father and a nurse for a mother, it was no surprise that the pursuit of excellence was instilled in me from an early age. Straight A's had become a norm, a badge of honor I wore with pride. The expectations were high, but they drove me to excel, and I was determined to make my parents proud.

Basketball was my passion, my sanctuary from the demands of academics. I was a key player on our school's basketball team, and the court was my kingdom. The sound of sneakers against the hardwood, the thrill of a three-point shot, and the camaraderie with my teammates fueled my spirit. On those nights, under the gym's glaring lights, I felt truly alive.

Skateboarding was my escape, a rush of adrenaline and freedom that provided solace when the world became overwhelming. Weekends were often reserved for skate sessions at the local park, where my friends and I carved lines on the concrete like artists on a canvas. The feeling of defying gravity, even for a moment, was exhilarating.

Socially, I was anything but a recluse. I had multiple friend groups, each offering a unique dynamic. But the closest of them all consisted of Mia and Noah. Mia, my best friend since childhood, was the embodiment of effervescence. Her vivacity was contagious, and she had an uncanny ability to bring people together. Our friendship had grown stronger with time, and I cherished every moment spent with her.

Noah was an athlete like me, a fellow competitor on the school's swim team. However, he was reserved, almost enigmatic, and his interactions were limited to our tight-knit circle, which included only Mia and me. Despite his introverted nature, there was an unspoken understanding among us. We respected Noah's need for solitude while appreciating the depth of his loyalty.

Our trio was an embodiment of balance. Mia's exuberance, my sociable nature, and Noah's introspection complemented each other perfectly. Weekends were often filled with adventures, whether it was shredding the skate park, attending basketball games, or simply lounging at Mia's, binge-watching movies and sharing stories.

As I prepared for Mia's party, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Surrounded by the support of my family, driven by the expectations of my achievements, and buoyed by the bonds of friendship, I was ready to dive headfirst into the night's festivities. Little did I know that this gathering would be the catalyst for an unforeseen connection, one that would forever change the course of our lives.

The party was in full swing, and the pulsating energy in the air was infectious. Mia had always been a pro at hosting gatherings, and tonight was no different. I couldn't help but feel grateful for having her as my best friend. Her parties were always a blast, not only because of the lively atmosphere but also because of the new people I'd get to meet.

As I mingled with the crowd, dancing to the rhythm of the music and sharing laughs with friends, my eyes kept wandering to a guy who seemed to stand apart from the revelry. His name was Mason, Mia had told me when she introduced us earlier. There was something about him, an air of mystery that piqued my interest.

Mason appeared to be lost in thought, as if carrying a weighty burden that he couldn't quite shake. While the partygoers around us reveled in the moment, he seemed adrift, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on beneath the surface.

Despite the age-old wisdom about not judging a book by its cover, I couldn't help but read the sadness etched in Mason's features. There was a story there, one that I couldn't quite grasp.

As the night progressed, I noticed Mason distancing himself from the heart of the party, gravitating toward a darker corner of the backyard. A group of people had gathered there, their hushed conversations drawing my attention.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, I followed Mason's path, keeping a discreet distance. In the shadows, I watched as he approached a guy who was covertly passing something to a few kids. The atmosphere grew tense as Mason spoke, his words barely audible over the music.

The guy's expression softened briefly as he reached into his pocket and produced a small pill bottle. He held out a single white pill toward Mason.

Mason accepted the pill, and a mixture of emotions surged within me—concern for what he might be going through and a growing curiosity about his life and experiences.

As the night unfolded, my thoughts continued to return to Mason. There was an undeniable aura of mystery surrounding him, and I couldn't help but be drawn to it.