Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 3: Darren's Dark Experience

// Present //

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Darren Dark stares at a small vial in his hand. The remains of his old life still call to him in his weakest moments. He has fought hard to leave behind his past, but the guilt and memories of that night are too much to bear sometimes.

"Put*ng in* Darren tama na!," Darren mutters under his breath, frustrated. His hands tremble as he opens the vial and takes a deep breath.

"Just one more time," he promises himself, knowing full well it's a lie. He takes a small hit, feeling the familiar rush wash over him. For a moment, the pain and guilt are numbed, but only for a moment.

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// Flashback: The Accident //

It was a rainy night, and Darren was behind the wheel, his girlfriend, Sofia, sitting beside him. They had been out celebrating, and Darren had had too much to drink. He knew he shouldn't be driving, but Sofia insisted they go home.

"Darren, we need to leave now," Sofia said, her voice anxious.

"Okay, okay," Darren replied, trying to appear more sober than he was. They got into the car, and Darren started the engine. The roads were slick, and his vision was blurred. He tried to concentrate, but the alcohol and the night's festivities had dulled his senses.

As they were driving down a winding road, a truck suddenly appeared in front of them. Darren's reflexes were too slow. He tried to change direction, but it was too late. The car skidded and crashed into a tree. The last thing Darren remembered was Sofia's scream and the shattering of glass.

When he came to, the car was a wreck. He looked over to Sofia, but she was motionless, blood trickling down her face. "No, no, no! Sofia!" he screamed, trying to reach her. But it was too late. The ambulance arrived, and they pulled him from the wreckage. Sofia was pronounced dead at the scene.

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// Present //

The memory of that night is not easy to forget. Darren snaps back to reality, the guilt hitting him like a wave. He had been clean for months, but the memory of that night never left him. He knew he needed help, but he was too ashamed to ask for it.