The Faith Of The Dream.

Chapter 11

Unconsciously, he had run so far and was out of breath. It was night, and the air was so cold that Cole could feel his bone freeze. He regretted leaving his jacket on the chair back home.

He regretted not bringing any money with him now. The only things in his pocket were his phone that was about to die and his bus pass. Cole climbed a staircase to cross the road, reached a bus stop. He took out his bus pass, tapped on the machine, and got on the first bus that arrived.

He sat alone, ignoring people's curious eyes. As he lowered his head, he typed a message and sent it to Kai.

I ran away from home.
He felt completely stupid now. Why would he send the message to Kai? Why not Jay? Jay was his best friend. He would surely come to pick him up or whatsoever. His friend had always been a place for him to run away after anything that happened at home. But, why did Kai's name was the first that crossed his mind just now?

Someone rang his phone. It was Jay. Cole thought to answer him, but his hand was trembling and he wasn't sure if he could speak. So he rejected the call, and shoved the phone back into his pocket.

He wanted to die.

The bus stopped somewhere— Cole didn't bother to check or listen to the mechanical voice that announced the stop. He got out, followed unknown people, feeling completely stupid and useless and lost. He walked aimlessly, rubbing his arms, feeling like shit. Some people were asking if he was okay, but he ignored them and kept walking.

Only when he got to an empty corner of the road that he feel somewhat at peace. Maybe, dying in this unknown place alone would be best.

The young man sat next to a street lamp, leaning against the cold metal. He had never felt this lonely before, but here he was now. Alone in the dead of the night, under a street lamp, freezing. He couldn't even cry or feel anything. He was just tired.

His phone vibrated for the umpteenth time now. A bunch of missed calls from Jay and Bentho, another bunch of texts from them, and a single text from Kai.

Kai:  Where are you now? What happened?

Mustering all strength left, he replied.

Cole:  I don't know where I am. I'm kinda messed up.
Kai:  Share your location. I'll come get you.
Cole complied.

His stomach was growling now, but he couldn't think of any food. He was sick of everything. Cole buried his face between his knees, hoping that Kai would come soon. Or maybe Jay. Or his dad? He felt completely confused about himself now.

He missed his mom. She was an angel. She was the only person who understood him even if he didn't tell her anything. His memory of her was brief, as she passed away when he was eight. But he believed, if she was here now, his life would be much better. He didn't need to fight alone. He didn't need a constant reminder from his dad. He would be able to feel her warm breath while he was at the bottom of everything.

A sudden warmth filled the space on his right. Cole looked up, and his eyes met Kai's brown ones. The man was wearing a wool hat and a thick jacket. He was silent for a moment, before flashing a small smile to him.

"Did I take too long?" he asked.

Cole didn't know how long he had been sitting alone there. So, he just shook his head. "I came too early."

Kai removed his jacket, and placed it over Cole's back. "Wanna tell me what happened?"

"I don't know where to start." He leaned against Kai's bigger body, feeling his warmth, holding one of his hands as if his life depended on it. "I had so much to tell you, but now that you're here, everything is just gone."