How To Save A Life

Sanctuary

Mike was frozen in his spot; he couldn’t move. He wasn’t sure what just happened. Last night, everything was normal. Now…everything was different. Though, in the moment, it didn’t seem like much, but he had saved a life. Really? Saved a life? He couldn’t believe it. He wouldn’t believe it. Whether it was the case or not, he had met someone new.

                He looked all around the roof, and now it seemed much more special. The water in the distance was bluer, and calmer. The green trees were dancing in the breeze. The sky above was more vivid. The sun was iridescent, casting a golden glow over the whole city. For a split second, the city was quiet and Mike could swear he heard laughter.  And in that moment, although it didn’t last long, he felt like he was truly in another world; One where he could be himself and he was in charge. Much like the night before, he felt free.

                That was when he remembered he wasn’t supposed to be on the roof, felling free, or in charge, or in power. He was supposed to be back with the others, maybe beginning to wake up, or maybe even at lunch. With one last look at the beauty that was the day Mike thrust the door open and rushed back to his room, trying to be unnoticed.  

                He stopped and stood outside the door, waiting. He had no idea what time it was and therefore didn’t know what waited for him just on the other side.

                Mike carefully started to turn the doorknob. The process was so slow if anyone was on the other side they might not have noticed it turning. When he finally got it opened, he was pleased it hadn’t made too much noise. He peaked his head in first and looked around. The coast looked clear.

                Mike stepped in and let the door shut, causing a pretty loud noise to ring through the apartment. He cringed at the noise, standing in the living area. Still, Mike was alone, so he continued back to his room. Just then the door dramatically swung opening, hitting against the wall hard. A tall, overpowering, frame stood in the door. She had super curly hair the length of her shoulders that was mostly grey. She had the build, the sneer, and the attitude of a football player. She had eyes like black holes and a mole on her nose like a witch.

                “Mike!” she said, trying, and failing, to sound happy. She walked in and took him in a hug. “Where have you been? I’ve been going crazy.” She faked. Everything Miss. Turner did and said was a lie. She probably hadn’t been looking for Mike, or going crazy for that matter.

                She peered down her witch nose at him, waiting for him to come out and tell her where he was. Mike kept his mouth shut and stared right up at her. He crossed his arms.       

                Quickly, she reached down and took his arm in her tight grip. Mike drew in a sharp breath as she held him.

                “I said, where have you been?” she asked, showing off her yellow smile. Mike turned his head as she got closer to him.

                He thought best if he just met her eyes and told Miss. Turner the truth.

                “I was in Randy’s room. We were playing video games, sorry to make you worry Miss Turner.”

                “Sorry to make you worry Miss. Turner.” She mocked him. “Boy you will tell me where you really were or you’re going to get it.”  She said in his face. Her breath smelled of booze, and being as drunk as she was, Mike didn’t know how she could tell he was lying. When he didn’t say anything again, she released his arm from her grip and gave him a shove towards his bed room.

                His room was very minimalistic. The brick walls were painted plain white, which could use a fresh coat. Though they made the room feel kind of cold, Mike liked it. He also loved the two windows he got that gave him an almost as amazing view as from the roof and filled his room with light. He put up two pictures, one with his favorite quote and one of the sea, right over his head. And his bead; his bed was just that. His sheets were beige and he had a dark grey blue comforter and a pillow. And since it’s his room, the only place that’s his in the house, he does whatever he wants with it, which happens to be never making the bed.           

                Mike took one look around his room, to remind himself here, like on the roof, he was in charge: the one with the power. Then, letting out a deep sigh, he fell onto his bed. He didn’t know what to do but try to figure everything out.   

                Just when he was going to play the events over in his head; he had just saved the most beautiful girl he's ever seen life, and why she had wanted to jump, he shook it from his thoughts. Was it any of his business? It was a good thing he shook it out of his mind because that's when Maci run in. 

                "Mike!" She screamed jumping onto his bed and landing on Mike's stomach. He grunted. 

                "Maci, get off of me." He groaned. She crawled off of him and say next to him on the bed. Mike took his one getting up, still in pain. He wriggled his hand in his pocket and took out the bobby pin.    "Here Maci." He said giving it back. When he touched it it was like he was watching a movie of what he had done hours before. 

                Maci took a moment to look at him. Her blue eyes gave him a once over. 

                "Why are you in the same clothes as yesterday? What did you do?" He questioned. Even though she's 12 years old, she's smart. She's always lived with Mike and she is the only one who really knows him, except maybe Randy. 

                Mike took a whole minute to answer, looking longingly out of the window. The city was still cast in golden light. Now Maci looked outside too, but she didn't see the same thing. 

                She just saw the dirty city; buildings that were too tall and covered with graffiti, no trees, a barely there sky and the streets teaming with dirty people. It was more black and white than golden. 

                Once, before Maci and Mike lived in the city, they lived in the country. They liked it there, especially Maci. She would look up and see nothing but blue skies, treetops and at night the stars. Everywhere around them there was empty land. No big building or city lights.

                But that was a long time ago, and they couldn't go back. And now they're stuck in the city that appears to be multiple things; black and white and gold and perfect and dirty. 

                Maci tore her eyes from the window and met her brother’s.

                “Were you on the roof again?” she asked, playing with the comforter.

                “Maci, it’s none of your business. You better get out of here before Mrs. Turner comes in; she’s already on my case.” He snapped. Maci reluctantly got off Mike’s bed and headed towards his door. She waited with her hand on the handle turning back to give him a sympathetic look.

                “Don’t worry about me, ok Maci. When we’re here, you have to worry about yourself; and I have to worry about you. Just go get ready for breakfast.”