Broken World

35. Dream and Reality

“What happened after that?” Jane asked. 

“Well, it took me a few months to get back to normal. I was so devastated that, I couldn’t think properly for quite some time,” I replied. “When I think about it… I realize that… I was surviving even before ghouls came into existence, I never liked school nor making friends… but I longed for attention.” 

“And you got attention from all the wrong people?” 

“We used to have fun, go out to eat, watch movies and all the fun stuff. Henry and Jude weren’t the wrong people… we had to be tough cause surviving gets tough when you are soft,” I replied in a low voice. “I was a bad kid.” 

“But you aren’t anymore,” she said with a smile. 

“J- just keep it to yourself, don’t tell anyone even Ivan and Kevin,” I requested.      

“Sure,” she assured. 

“Ok! Enough talking then, get some sleep. We don’t know what is in store for us tomorrow, so better be prepared for the worst,” I said, stretching my arms. 

She stood up and walked towards the door, before getting down she looked at me. “Erik, you are not alone anymore, if you ever feel low… I’m always here. You can count on me.” I gave a smile looking at her, she smiled back.

After she left, I lay down on the ground looking at the beautiful and shining stars in the sky. 

Ruby, what are you doing? Are you happy? At least you don’t have to worry about humans or monsters anymore.  

***

A DREAM

“This used to be our classroom, remember?” Ruby said. 

“Yeah, how can I forget? I used to suck at math,” I replied. 

“But now you don’t, thanks to me,” she said and smiled. “Erik, you have people depending on you, you have friends and family to take care of.” 

“I know, I’m trying to keep it all together, it’s just that things get messed up a little, now and then.” 

“Till you believe in yourself and your friends, everything will turn alright, just believe in one another.” 

“I’m trying.” 

“Amy, Jane, Ivan, Kevin, Finn, Ty, you have friends, you are not alone anymore which puts me at ease, lucky you are, not everyone gets a chance like this.” 

“You were more precious to me too, why did you leave me so early?” I asked. 

“There are things that we can’t control in this world, and death is one of them, but that doesn’t mean you should give up without trying. Fighting till the end is what we do, promise me that you won’t give up.” 

“I- I promise. I will make you proud, Ruby. I will make you proud.” 

“I should leave now. Take care of yourself and all the people around you.” 

“Later… Ruby.” 

***

“Erik? Erik, wake up,” Ivan said, shaking me gently. “Are you dreaming? Come on, they are holding a funeral for Leia. Let’s go.” 

I looked at the burial ground, everyone was gathered around and held their heads low. We joined them. 

“Alright, Ty… go first,” Amy said. 

“L-Leia, I’m sorry, I always shouted and screamed at you, I- I didn’t mean it, I was just concerned for you. Maybe you are in a better place now. Take rest, you have been through a lot,” he said in a low voice and took a few steps back.