Gun Gale Online: Bounty

Prologue

Thump.

She was gone.

Thump.

It was so quiet.

I curled up on my bed, dropping my backpack beside it. I faceplant into my pillow, tears soaking the silken object.

My little sister, she's gone.

I turn over, now on my back, and put my arm over my eyes, trying to suppress the tears.

Emma Walker, my eleven year old sister. She's gone.

Twelve months ago, we realized she had been suffering from fatal cancer. But despite what happened, she held on. Clung onto her life. I was with her almost the entire time, no way I was seeing my little sister die.

Turns out I was wrong. Just this morning, she was declared dead. She couldn't hold on anymore.

My name is Isaac Walker, I'm seventeen years old, nearly eighteen, and this is my story, and eventual reconciliation.

I start to sob. I sit up and try to stop, but it doesn't.

"Honey?" a voice asks. I look up. My mother and father were in the doorway to my room.

My mother is a kind woman who does her best for her kids, but is also very busy with her tech business. My father ran a church back in our local town, and isn't too keen on technology. They go hand in hand.

"H-Hey, guys." I say, still looking at the floor.

"Son," my father says, in a familiar tone. I look up, revealing my now puffy, red eyes. "Emma wanted us to give you this." he says, taking out a small red box. He gives it to me, along with a note.

"We'll leave you alone for a while, sweetie." my mother says, giving me a kiss on the head, and departing my room.

My father gives me another concerned look, but he leaves, shutting the door behind him.

I slowly tear open the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note.

Isaac,

I'm sorry that you couldn't see me before I left. There was so much I wanted to tell you. But the only thing I have time for is... thank you. Thank you for being my big brother. You've given me so much in my life, but I could never give you anything back. So I am now. I don't want to be selfish, but if you ever feel lonely, just know that I'll always be here, right by your side. You probably don't know it, but right now, I'm patting your shoulder, and wiping the tears from your eyes. If you ever need someone to talk to, just say so, and I will listen to every last thing you have to say. I will always love you, big bro. Forever and always.

Emma.

"Sis...." I hiccup, in between sobs. I set the letter aside, and open the box. Inside was... something I'd never thought I'd see again. It was the necklace Emma always wore. A thick golden line of thread, with a shining amethyst crystal hanging in the center. She had gotten this as a gift from my father when she was seven years old. We never asked for much from our parents, only that they would be with us in our darkest days. But I didn't want to give my parents any more trouble than they already had.

I took the necklace out of the box, and clipped it around my neck. I placed the amethyst in the palm of my hand, and looked at it. I could've sworn I saw Emma through the reflection of it, but it was only my own sorrow, looking back and punching me in the face.

I tightly clasp it in the palm of my hand, trying to hold back more tears. It wasn't working. Once again, I collapse onto my bed, this time on my side, just looking at the necklace.