Cw: suicidal ideation, mentioned suicide attempts
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It was dark.
Though, it was always like that.
Hero never liked turning the lights on. He didn't want to see how much of a mess his room was.
…Though, he already knew.
Hell, even Kel's room probably looked better.
. . .
How much time has passed?
How long has he cooped himself up in his room?
. . .
A long time.
One, maybe two years?
…It's probably been longer than that.
. . .
Ever since the incident with Mari… Hero wasn't the same. He never left his room, other than to go to the bathroom or find snacks so he doesn't starve.
Mari… she was the love of his life.
And now… she's gone.
She took her own life.
And Hero promised her he would soon follow.
He never could muster up the courage. Not with rope, or a knife, or literally anything. He never did it. And he never will. Not because he doesn't want to, he does. He just… can't. It's by human instinct to avoid death at all cost.
He wishes he didn't have that.
He wishes he could ignore that instinct, just like Mari did.
But, like the coward he is… he can't. His body is afraid of death. Even if his mind isn't.
Maybe… somewhere… internally, he still has a little bit of a will to live left. And that's why he's still going.
Or maybe he's simply just a coward.
…
He doesn't take care of himself anymore.
He doesn't remember the last time he bathed. Or brushed his hair or teeth.
He must look terrible.
It's a good thing he's able to avoid the bathroom mirror.
He doesn't want to look at himself.
. . .
He's tired.
. . .
But that's how he always feels.
. . . . .
Hero sighs, pulling his blanket further over his decrepit body. He closes his eyes, falling back asleep.
He doesn't know why he stays awake.
It's just tiring.
After who knows how long, a knock wakes him from his slumber. Yet, he doesn't move.
The door opens with a creak, light spilling into his room.
"…Hey, Hero." Kel. Hero's little brother. "I brought you something to eat. I made it myself." He can hear a plate being set on his nightstand. "I've gotten much better at cooking, I didn't even burn anything. So, uh, enjoy."
Hero doesn't move. He felt like crying.
"…I'll leave you alone now." Kel's footsteps recede, and the door creaks closed. Leaving him in darkness.
