From The Ashes We Rise

Chp 8: Breakdown

It just hadn't been the same for me anymore. Ever since Sammi had been admitted to the hospital, I found myself to be more reserved and less lively. The bullying had also gotten worse, considering that Sammi wasn't there to save me. I've been going strong for the last 2 weeks but I felt that I was reaching my limit.

I was currently in school, walking the hallways alone. I used to spend that time chatting with Sammi but since she wasn't there, I was unable to speak my mind. All those negative thoughts wouldn't stop coming. Every day I felt like I'm shittier than yesterday. I knew something's wrong, but I can't put my finger on it.

••••••••

When I got home, Nick was there. He was reading a novel he bought a few days ago. As I walked through the front door, Nick put down his book and greeted me. His smile faded upon seeing my gloomy face.

"Wh-what's wrong Ash? You're sadder than a kid losing his favourite toy," he asked, clearly concerned for me.

"Nothing. I'm fine..."

"No. You're not. Tell me what's wrong," Nick tried to convince me, "I'm your brother dude. You can't keep any secrets from me for too long you know."

"I said I'm fine!" I dashed up to my room and slammed the door. I made sure it was locked so Nick couldn't come in. I threw my bag across the room.

"Gah! Why am I like this?!" I screamed, stuffing my hands in my hair, "Why can't I just be normal? I can't live like this!"

I looked at myself in the mirror. My skin was slightly paler and my hair was a mess. The bruises I had were clearer too. It's sickening to see that I let myself get beaten like this.

You're nothing. You don't deserve your powers. You are merely a tool.

"No, I'm not!" I punched the mirror, shattering it on impact. My hand was cut and bleeding. The mirror was cracked at the area I punched. My reflection was now a bigger mess.

"Ash! Open the door!" Nick hammered on my door. I scrambled around and arranged everything back. I also grabbed a small handkerchief and wrapped it around my hand. After that, I went to unlock the door and let him in.

"I heard a crash. What happe—oh," he looked at the mirror. He went to sit on my bed.

"Geez man, what did you do?" he sighed.

"I got mad at something," I smiled the pain away.

"What's up with your hand?"

"Just bleeding from punching the mirror." I glanced at it again.

"I need some time to think. Can I be alone, Nick?"

"Uh yeah, sure." Nick got up and left me standing in my room, with a bleeding hand and a broken mirror.

~That night~

Dad finally came home. He gave mum and Nick a hug but ignored me. He didn't accept me anymore. I sighed heavily and went back to reading my Batman comic on the sofa.

A few minutes later, mum called us for dinner. She cooked up yet another great meal: steak served with her homemade gravy, fried chicken and some chicken soup. I may be feeling bad but my appetite was huge.