Sightless Hope

Chapter 1- Hazel

I find myself surrounded by water. I knew I was drowning but I kept trying to swim to the surface. After what feels like forever, I finally make it to the surface. I lay on my back; looking up at the sky, the different colors of pink, orange,yellow, and purple in the clouds were absolutely breath taking. Just as I think I'm finally able to relax and try to swim to shore, another huge wave crashes into me, taking me under once again. I keep swimming, trying to find some way out if this damn ocean. It feels as though I can't escape, as if something is holding me down. My lungs feel as if they're going to explode. Just as I'm about to give in, about to let the it just take me away into its dark mysterious watery wonders, I feel a pair of hands grab me. They pull me back to the surface. They feel warm dispite the droplets of water on them. For the first time in my entire life, I felt as though I could breathe and not have that fear of going under again. It was as if that weight that had been holding me down was lifted off of me. I gasp for air and hold onto whatever was swimming with me to shore. I open my eyes when we get to shore and look at my rescuer. I smile as I look into his eyes. I try to speak but it still feels like I'm in the ocean again, like there's water filling my lungs. I still hold onto him, continuously gasping for air. He holds me and tries to help. I try to whisper one word before I black out. That word is the name of my rescuer: Augustus.

I wake up in my bed, tears still falling onto my pillow. I'm shaking but at least my screams have stopped for now. It's been 6 painful months since his death. I haven't been sleeping well. I've been getting a little better. Don't get me wrong, it still hurts. It will always hurt. I know Gus would've wanted me to stay strong for him and I'm trying but it's not easy losing the first actual love of your life. He was so incredibly amazing and I'm so lucky to have loved him. Thankfully, I don't have to endure this alone. I have Isaac. He and I have been closer friends ever since the funeral. I get up out of bed and pull the curtains back. The cool Fall morning feels a bit reassuring. I walk to the bathroom, take all of my meds. I take a quick shower and then get dressed. I head downstairs and sit down to have breakfast with my parents. We have waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, toast, and some fruits. I finish my eating, brush my teeth in my bathroom. I go downstairs again and look at the clock. "See you later mom and dad. Love you," I say as I quickly walk out the door while towing my air tank with me to my car. I start it up. Putting both hands on the wheel, I breathe in and out slowly. It really does suck not being able to breathe. Today's gonna be a great day, I think to myself as I turn on the radio. I open my eyes and drive to Issac's house.