Take My Soul

Chapter 14- The Sleepover

   Oliver and I were settling in for a cozy movie night. He had just finished setting up everything we needed - snacks, blankets, and drinks - and now it was time to choose a movie. I scanned through the options in front of me: "Kissing Booth" was one option, but it did not appeal to me at all. My eyes then landed on "Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero," which was my favorite. "Sergeant Stubby, please!" I said, pointing to the DVD. Oliver got up from his seat, put the movie into the player, and announced, "Okay, and... it's on!" With a big grin on his face, Oliver flexed his muscles proudly while I clapped my hands like the maniac I am.

Classic me.

I sobbed (and sobbed and sobbed) as I watched the movie! It was so good! Who said an animated movie can't make you cry like a baby? Who said history can't make you cry? Me! And here I am crying over a dog!

Tears streamed down my face as I let out a heart-wrenching cry, "Why does Hans have to die?". I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and loss for this lovable character. From his charming personality to his cute little quirks, he quickly became my favorite in the movie. It was hard to accept that he was gone forever. The thought of not seeing him on the screen anymore was too much to bear.

The movie ended.

I turned my gaze towards Oliver, who sat next to me in complete boredom. His face was void of any emotion, while I, on the other hand, had tears streaming down my face, my cheeks red and puffy from crying. "Why aren't you crying?" I asked, my voice quivering with frustration. "And why should I?" he replied, his tone indifferent. I was taken aback by his lack of emotion towards the movie we just watched, "This is the history of our nation, Oliver," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, "it shouldn't be boring to anyone." My hand reached out to pinch his arm, hoping to elicit some sort of reaction from him. But to my dismay, he just smirked and added insult to injury, "Says the girl who sleeps in history class." I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I conceded defeat. He was just too good and I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

Oliver let out a deep sigh and looked at me with a pained expression. "Do you know why I've been taking those pills?" he asked. I shook my head, feeling a sense of dread creeping up my spine. I had a feeling that whatever he was about to tell me wouldn't be good.

"My parents have been going through a divorce for over a year now," Oliver continued in a low voice. "And they keep fighting all the time, about everything. I used to tell Lizzie about how I felt and how hard it was for me to deal with all this, but lately, she's been shouting at me whenever I try to talk to her about it. We had this big argument about it the other day, and... yeah."He trailed off, looking down at his feet, and I felt my heart break for him. I knew how much he loved his family and how hard it was for him to see them falling apart like this. It was no wonder he was taking pills to cope with the stress and anxiety.

I put my arm around him and pulled him closer. "I'm so sorry, Oliver," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "I had no idea things were this bad for you. You didn't have to go through this alone, you know. I'm here for you, always." His body shook with sobs as he clung to me, his tears soaking through my shirt. He looked so vulnerable, so lost and alone, and I couldn't help but ache for him.

As I held him close, I felt a deep sense of empathy welling up inside me. I knew all too well what it was like to be overwhelmed by life's challenges, to feel like you're drowning in a sea of difficulties with no end in sight.

Despite the pain we were both going through, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as I looked at him. He had people in his life who cared about him, and who would do anything to help him through his struggles. I, on the other hand, felt like I was all alone in my pain, with no one to turn to for comfort or support.

For a moment, I considered opening up to him, telling him about my problems, and seeking his advice. But then I hesitated, worried that I might be adding to his already heavy burden. I didn't want to burden him with my issues, nor did I want to risk pushing him away by being too needy or demanding.

So instead, I held him close and let him cry, offering him what little comfort and solace I could. It was a small act of kindness, but one that spoke volumes about the power of human connection and the importance of being there for one another in times of need.

"I'm impressed," I exclaimed, placing my hands on my hips and turning to face Oliver. A wide smile spread across my face as I surveyed the shelter we had just finished building. "This is the best shelter we've done in years!" I couldn't contain my excitement, so I began jumping up and down while clapping my hands. Oliver chuckled at my enthusiasm and pulled me into a cozy side hug. Together, we made our way into the tent, feeling proud of our accomplishment.

"Get your legs off me, Oliver, you're heavy!" I exclaimed in frustration. "No, you get your body off me!" Oliver shouted, frustrated. Sometimes, I wish that girl on the seesaw in the park had kicked him with her legs and knocked some sense into him a few years ago.