Ain't No Mountain High Enough

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

The rest of the day passed slowly. Too slowly for my liking. They had me stay the night just to make sure everything was all right with my head, even though I didn't really think that was necessary. My head was pounding, and I was still having trouble recalling things from the last few days. I literally didn't even remember what Keto had told me about what Stephen said about me. It all came back to me as time went on, but it was strange to have lost so much of my memory. But if I just needed rest, couldn't I have just slept at home?

When I was released from the hospital the next morning, I don't think I had ever been so glad to go to Arjun's house in my whole life, even when I was a kid. Ms. Harlow was waiting for us, and she wrapped her arms tightly around me as soon as I was out of the car.

"Randall!" she said, beaming. "You're looking much better!"

That was a lie. I looked like death, but I did feel a bit better, even though the pain in my head hadn't entirely left yet. There was a large cut on my forehead that was still covered with a bandage.

"Thanks, Ms. Harlow," I said, returning her hug. The familiar smell of her perfume made my anxiety lessen. I was finally home!

She released me, then let Arjun push my wheelchair inside and said, "I hope you're hungry! I'm making your favorite."

Compared to the wet, icy weather outside, the house was pleasantly warm. And sure enough, I could smell dinner, chicken and dumplings, cooking in the kitchen. I smiled weakly. "I guess I'm a little hungry." Another lie, but I wasn't about to turn her down. Not anymore.

"Maybe you should go to bed," Arjun said, and he gave me a look that, when I started to protest, made my mouth shut.

"Yes, he's right," Ms. Harlow said, clasping her hands. "At least until you get your strength back?"

I felt like I was coming home from the hospital after the wreck all over again, but I was trying not to be frustrated by it. They just wanted me to be okay, after all, and when I thought of it that way it made me feel a bit better. "Yeah, I'll lay down," I said quietly. I was still feeling queasy anyway, especially from the car ride home. "I'll have dinner in bed."

Ms. Harlow gave me an approving smile, then disappeared back into the kitchen. We watched her leave, then Arjun took me down the hall to my room.

The moment we entered my breath hitched. A flash of memory that I hadn't been able to reach since waking up a few days before finally came to the forefront of my mind. I remembered trying to get up. The desperation I had felt made my blood run cold. I had wanted to get up and walk so badly.

"I'm sorry," I said for the upteenth time. My voice cracked.

Arjun paused behind me. "It'll be okay now," he said after a few seconds passed. "I'll make sure of it."

"This isn't your responsibility," I said.

"Can you just let me do this?" He was irritated now, but when he stepped in front of me I couldn't tell by looking at his expression. He just looked tired. By "this", I wasn't sure if he was referring to helping me get in bed or him taking responsibility for what happened.

"Why do you always feel like you have to take the blame for everything?" I said in a tone I knew sounded unkind. It was too late to take it back, though.

Arjun seemed to consider this question, and a wave of emotions flooded his eyes. He opened his mouth to answer, but quickly shut it again. Whatever his reasons were, he wasn't about to share them with me. Even if we were best friends. Even if we were practically brothers. But could I blame him? I did the same things he did.

"You should rest," he said in a gentle tone. He kept silent as he helped me out of my wheelchair and into bed, much more melancholic than was normal for him. Once I was in bed, he turned to leave. "Mom will bring dinner for you, I guess. Call if you need something." He left, but kept the door standing wide open.

I tried to sleep, but too much was going through my mind. I tried to remember more from what had happened, but nothing would come. And thinking too hard about it just made my brain feel like mush. The doctor said they may come back eventually as I healed.

But something made me wonder if I was best not remembering.

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Thank you so much for reading!

Listen to "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears!

Peace✌️~ A.J