There is Hope

Prologue: The Sun Sets For Everyone

"It looks like the sun is setting..." Erin said as she put down her hood to let the sunlight cleanse her face.

"Well, it sets every day. It's nothing to get so worked up about." I sarcastically muttered under my breath as I sat down and looked at my phone.

It was a regular Friday when class ends later than usual and I watch the sunset with my childhood friends Erin, Fletcher, and M. But due to personal reasons, M couldn't go today.

"Hey guys, why don't we head to the arcade and play that new racing game together?" Fletcher excitedly asked us while making car sounds.

"Don't get too excited, we need to make sure M can tag along!" Erin exclaimed while shaking her finger at him.

"Yeah, let's hope M's dad lets her hang out with us." I said as I checked my phone again and noticed that I received a message.

The message read: "Hey bruh, I have something to tell everyone. Let's all meet in front of the arcade, yeah?"

Erin and Fletcher continued talking to each other while I replied to the message, "Sure, we were going to head there anyway. We'll meet you there."

I put my hand in the air and called everyone's attention, "Alright guys, M is allowed to come and hang with us so let's make the most of it."

Erin and Fletcher thrusted their fists towards the sky and cheered as I told everyone, "We better get there quickly, the sun is almost below the horizon!"

Everyone hopped on their bikes, "Your new bike still looks cool Isaiah!" Fletcher said as he rode along beside me.

"Yeah! But not as cool as Erin's bike. The redness of her bike reminds me of a ruby." I said as I looked ahead of me and looked at Erin riding off and leaving us in the dust.

"Do you like Erin or something?" Fletcher asked with a sly smirk on his face.

"I like everyone in our group. Don't feel left out, dude." I said while carefully dodging his true question.

Fletcher, who is trying to hold back laughter, grins, "Your ears are turning red, Isaiah. I know you're lying."

"Oh shut up! Just one more turn and we'll be at the arcade." I speed off ahead of Fletcher and I catch up to Erin.

"Hey Isaiah, your ears are red. Are you tired or something?" Erin said with a worried look on her face.

"Oh, don't worry, it's just how I blush." I quickly reply trying to keep her from worrying.

Erin slows down and turns towards the arcade's parking lot, and I follow her with Fletcher approaching somewhat behind us.

"Hey, you guys made it!" M says as she high fives everyone, "Did you guys have fun watching the sunset without me?"

"We had fun, but we could've had more if you were with us, M!" Erin says as she shines a bright smile at M.

I look at M and ask, "What did you want to tell us by the way?"

M frowns and looks down, "We have to get out of town now."