The P.U.L.L || #Wattys2017

Chapter 2: First Day

"Son, wake up! Joshua? Joshua !? JOSHUA!" Mrs. Russel alarmingly said.

"I-I love you, mom," Joshua muttered half-consciously.

"Son, wake up! Son!" Mrs. Russel continued to exclaim, her voice becoming more anxious as the minutes passed.

After three minutes of agonizing silence, Joshua finally regained consciousness. He began to cough as he saw his mom worriedly looking at him. "Hey, mom" He weakly responded.

"What have you been doing? Why is it unusually wet outside? And why weren't you breathing just now?!" Mrs. Russel began blurting questions, probably because of her anxiousness.

Joshua tried to sit, but he was too weak and he ended up plopping against the floor. Slowly but surely, Joshua's strength began returning to him as he relayed the story to his mother. He tried to make it as light as possible so that his mom would not unnecessarily worry more. However, after hearing it, his mom chose not to believe it even though she knows deep inside that every part of it is real. These accidents have been occurring more frequently than ever now and his mom couldn't help but worry every time Joshua is left alone. Until now, Joshua's mom could not get used to the accidents no matter how hard she tried to understand it. "I'm glad you're okay." His mom heaved a sigh of relief as she hugged Joshua tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." She repeated choking on her tears.

Urgh! I can't breathe! Joshua thought as she felt his mom's warm tears on his shoulders. "I'm sorry for worrying you, mom." Joshua hugged his mom in return.

"It's your first day as a high school student tomorrow, so make sure you prepare everything, okay?" Joshua's mom said as cheerfully as she could, releasing her hug and heading straight to the kitchen. "I'll be preparing dinner while you're at it. Don't be late since I'll be cooking steak for dinner tonight!" 

"Sure mom!" Joshua replied.

Joshua, realizing that there's no need to talk about it, headed to his room to prepare for tomorrow. Mom is trying really hard to cheer me up. I guess I just gotta do my part and go with it. Well, I should be thankful, at least, I'm still alive. I felt like I almost died though. He thought.

I hope this stops now, Joshua already suffered to the point of almost dying. I just got to be cheerful and support him and not put too much pressure on him since it's his first day tomorrow. But I can't help but worry... Mrs. Russel can't help but think as she started preparing the steak.

The cold night has reached its peak as Joshua looked up out of the window while preparing for school. The stars could barely be seen since it was cloudy but it was unusually cold for the night. It sent shivers down Joshua's spine at the mere thought of another accident happening after the latest one. Yeah, I have to mentally prepare myself every time. But all of those accidents are all so random, how could I even prepare myself mentally at the right moment? Joshua thought, double-checking his bag and making sure that he won't forget anything on his first day of school. I really hope nothing happens on my first day. He thought, clutching his pocket. Yep, it's still here. He told himself, heaving a sigh of relief.

"Son, dinner!"

"Coming, mom!"

Nothing was discussed while they ate dinner, probably because the two of them have a lot in their minds. The atmosphere wasn't that light, nor was it heavy either. But for Joshua and his mom, it was another typical day for them; if anyone can call it a typical day, of course.

After double-checking his bag as soon as he went back to his room, he lay down on his bed to sleep. Apparently, a series of thoughts still hasn't left his mind, bugging him. Hope nothing happens tomorrow, I don't want my school life getting ruined again. He thought as he glanced by the window. I wonder if I'm the only one experiencing this torment? Maybe there are others like me. Who's behind all this? I gotta find out before my whole life gets ruined! No, I gotta stop it before it ruins anyone else's lives! Well, I'm one to talk, my life's a complete ruin.