Time to Stop

Chapter 1: The Start of The End

   As I stare outside my window in the middle of the afternoon...I feel the rubble fall on my head as my house is violently shaking from the massive earthquake. Out the window I see the the fire coming up between the cracks in the Earth's crust. The house is splitting into pieces as the world is coming to an end. And me?...I'm sitting here thinking about how I caused the end of the world.

Two Months Ago: 

   My family never knew that my Grandfather was sick. That's why my parents were shocked when they got the call. They say that you never forget where you were when something big happens. Of course most people are talking about 9/11.  I remember exactly where I was when I found out.

  I was over at my girlfriend's house, Scarlet. I'm usually over there most nights for our study dates. She is the smartest girl in the school, leader of the debate club, valedictorian, extremely popular, a third degree black belt, oh and cheer captain. I'm the second smartest person in the school, leader of the Star Wars club, Salutatorian, not popular, captain of the wrestling team, oh and state spelling bee winner. But one thing we do have in common is how competitive we are. She is only a little bit ahead of me for Valedictorian, so we always compete for higher grades. That's what we were doing that night. We were home alone like usual and we were laying on the couch. I was dozing off when i heard her soft voice, "wake up loser". "I'm up" I said. "Do you ever think about our future?" she asked me. I turned to her "All the time. But if we focus too much on the future, how will we enjoy the present?" "You always know just what to say Finn. I love you so much." she said as she kissed me. " I love you more." i said back. While it's true we spend most nights together, this one was special. It was the night of our 4 year anniversary. If only I knew what was happening with my Grandfather. After our hot make out session, Scarlet and I fell asleep cuddled up.

   Suddenly, my phone went off, and I was awaken to The Imperial March. Scarlet, being the heavy sleeper she is, was snoring away. The TV was still on, my mistake, and the news was talking about a bank robbery. I picked up my phone and it was my mother telling me that my Grandfather was sick and in the hospital. I dropped my phone and sprinted out to my car. I don't even remember the car ride to the hospital. They say that happens when you're in shock. There wasn't a lot of cars in the parking lot. Probably because its 3 in the morning. After I found out the room number I ran down the halls. I didn't know what to expect, but nothing could prepare me for the grim site I saw when I pushed open the door. My parents were there crying, but what broke my heart was seeing my Grandfather hooked up to all the machines. He looked like Death, which made me cry instantly. My parents left the room, so it was just me and him. The only noise in the room was the beeping of the monitors, and the start of the rain against the window. I walked over to him, and knelt by the bed. "Finn....I don't know how else to put this." he started before coughing. "Grandpa you do..." I said before he interrupted. "Don't talk just listen", then he took my hand, but I felt something in it. "I know it isn't much, but I want to give this to you", and he gave me the object. It was a pure gold pocket watch, with a picture of an infinity symbol on it. It didn't look much but it being the last thing my Grandfather gave me it meant the world. "Finn, you mean the world to me. I wish time could stand still and just enjoy thi..." and then another cough attack. "Just remember...everything is not what it seems. Time is what gives us strength to heal, love, and to do anything. Time is precious. It's both quick and everlasting. It's also frag..." then the machine started beeping as he closed his eyes. "No!! Grandpa, I love you." I don't remember much after that. I think I was in shock, since I don't even remember the ride home. I just remember laying in bed clutching the pocket watch, but I knew I was crazy because I felt an energy from it. Maybe because it was the last piece of my Grandpa that I'd hold.