12 Minutes [ON HOLD]

II - Questions

“Nothing whets the intelligence more than a passionate suspicion, nothing develops all the faculties of an immature mind more than a trail running away into the dark.”

― Stefan Zweig, The Burning Secret and other stories

[SOMEONE'S POV]

September 7, 20XX 11:54 PM

The rain has become heavier and the forceful wind even more frightening. If this was a normal day, I would've been scared already... but I guess not today. Somehow I found a blanket in the corner of the shed I was at. It looked like it was blown by the wind before the rain started because it was still somewhat dry. I slowly wrapped myself in it to fight the cold night.

I looked at my watch, and sighed.

Now I only have 6 minutes left.

"First..." I started. "no names, no identies."

I closed my eyes to have them rest because I could no longer keep them open. They hurt so much mainly because of too much crying, and partly because of lack of sleep.

I kept silent to check if there would be any objections, but just heard the sound of heavy rain getting stronger so I continued on.

"As I've mentioned, it's best to remain strangers... we'll be able to talk without hesitations, no pretentions, nor bias. We can share views, opinions and even criticisms free of guilt." I explained. "We can even vent out everything and discuss anything under the sun without second thoughts. Wouldn't this be good for a change?"

["Why me?"] That was not exactly the response that I was expecting. I was taken aback for a few seconds before I could respond.

"Honestly... I-I don't know" I really didn't know what to say. "I just dialed a random number and then I got you... that just shows how desperate I am."

I knew I sounded pathetic but I couldn't care less.

It was beginning to become hard for me to speak because of fatigue. My throat hurts and felt like dooms day everytime I open it.

["Okay..."] I heard a sigh afterwards, which didn't sound a good thing for me. ["I don't need to hear what the grounds are anymore..."] suddenly I panicked and grasp the blanket tighter.

I love silence, I really do but just now I felt the other way around. I dreaded it.

Seconds passed and I remained silent not knowing what to say, or if I even needed to speak.

Please don't hung up on me... please...

I was relieved because I could still hear sounds of breathing, so I waited.

["Tell me your story... and I'll listen..."] 

Somehow I felt good when I heard "I'll listen", not happy... but I felt better. In life, there are times that all we need is somebody who'll listen. Right now that is what I need...

[Talk to me...] he continued.

I don't know what happened to me again, when I heard those words. I knew what those words meant but I felt it had more impact on me.

"Yes..." I managed to say. "p-please just hear me o-out."

I struggled to keep my voice fixed, the fatigued and the cold night has taken their toll on me.

"When everyday becomes a battle, every minute a struggle and each second cause pain..." my eyes started to burn up again as I said these words. "A battle with myself... a struggle to believe... and pain in each passing moment." I felt a tear fall down my right cheek.