WE ARE ALL CAVED IN

Chapter 17: Envelope, Bed, and the Bad Guys

Jameson's POV

The moment I found out my best friend had been stabbed, I nearly passed out. My eyes instantly misted over, and my knees trembled. I will never forgive the person responsible for this. Never. Who could have done this? Who are they?

I received a call from a rescuer who found my number in Ymar's recent messages. The moment I heard the news, I floored the gas pedal, speeding toward the crime scene where Ymar lay.

When I arrived, my heart sank at the sight before me. My dear best friend was covered in blood, his body marred by four stab wounds. I broke down. Seeing Ymar in such a state was unbearable.

At the hospital, as doctors and nurses worked frantically to save Ymar, I sat on a bench, staring into the distance. My heart felt like it was being crushed. Is this how Ymar felt seeing Onyx on the brink of death?

Who did this to Ymar? I vowed then and there to avenge him.

Lost in thought, a nurse approached me. Her expression was anxious. She hesitated before speaking. "His condition is worse than we expected," she said quietly. Tears welled up and streamed down my cheeks. My heart felt like it was shattering.

"W-what do you mean?" I stammered. She patted my shoulder before walking away.

I had to believe that Ymar would be okay. He had to be.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Camille's number. When I told her what happened, she was stunned into silence. I could hear the pain in her sobs, though she couldn't find the words.

"No! Why?" Camille cried, her voice breaking with each word.

The pain inside me grew, overwhelming me. I almost collapsed under its weight. So this is what real pain feels like. The kind everyone should avoid. Damn.

After talking to Camille, I shakily dialed Carl's number.

"Hello, bud? How's your night?" Carl's cheerful greeting only made the situation feel more surreal. I couldn't find the words to respond; I was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Hello, buddy? What's wrong? Are you crying?" Carl's voice was full of concern. "Bud? Wanna' drink with me?"

"B-buddy... Y-Ymar..." I choked out, trying to hold back my screams of anguish.

"Yes? What's wrong with our buddy?" Carl's voice was tinged with worry.

"He... he got stabbed. H-he's in the h-hospital..." I finally managed to say, letting the tears flow freely. My cheeks were soaked, and my eyes burned.

Carl was silent on the other end. The weight of the news hung heavy between us. I knew he was just as shocked and anxious. Our buddy was dying, but I held onto hope that he would survive. He had to survive.

The call ended, and I texted Carl the hospital's address.

As I waited, I prayed for a miracle, wishing Ymar would suddenly sit up and reassure us, "I'm okay, don't worry." But... damn it.

I leaned back against the wall, trying to process everything. Ymar's face, pale and bloodied, haunted my thoughts. I couldn't take it anymore. In frustration, I punched the wall, tears streaming down my face.

Minutes later, Camille arrived, her face buried in her hands. She was trembling, crying uncontrollably.

"Where is he? Where is my brother?" she demanded, her hair disheveled, dried tears staining her cheeks. I gave her a sorrowful look, understanding her pain.

Ymar is my best friend, but Camille's feelings right now are far worse than mine. Ymar is her only brother, and I know how much she loves him.

I hugged Camille, gently rubbing her back to calm her down. She continued to sob, her face buried in my chest.