Twenty Øne Reasons to Live

Chapter Twenty-Nine

My Point of View

We began to walk down the busy streets and I don't think I've ever been in a place so alive before. The bustle of every day commotion was just the beginning of all the layers this city had to offer. I was amazed, flabbergasted, and overwhelmed by it. For once in years I felt...alive.

Something deep inside of me knew that this feeling would die the moment I returned home, but another bigger part of me knew that I needed to hold onto this feeling as long as I could. I know it's only been a few days, but the thought of a blade hasn't even crossed my mind. It felt like I've been clean forever, even if it was only upwards of one week.

Someone brushed shoulders with me, and I muttered through an apology, but got no reply. Seems like this city is too busy for the formalities of everyday living. Everyone had somewhere to go, someplace to be, and I loved that. It's like it couldn't be silent and alone even if it truly wanted to.

There was a cacophony of smells in the air. I could detect many different styles of food, and every so often a giant whiff of cigarette smoke. My eyes would water but I wouldn't cough, I didn't want to offend anyone......even though I'm not entirely sure anyone here had the ability to be offended.

I'll admit that crossing the street was a heart attack in the making, because even if you did your part and watched for cars and followed the laws and signs, the cars didn't seem to cater to the same rules. There were several times today already that Josh had to grab my wrist or hand and speed me up or slow me down.

You're probably already picking up on the fact that I don't get out much. So this experience is like seeing the whole world to me.

"Okay, so what kind of food are we thinking, Kitty?" Tyler asked, laughing at his own play on my name, but my stomach dropped. That was already taken by someone, and I could barely hear it without getting chills and scanning my surroundings for attackers.

Josh touched my shoulder and slid his pointer finger across his throat. I jerked, not even realized I was expecting abuse. Relaxing, I looked down to my feet as we walked on.

"I'm not very hungry."

"Hey, I've got you, you're safe..." Josh said in a hushed tone, and he put his arm around my shoulders, squeezing a little before releasing.

It took me a moment to readjust. "Uh, I'm really good with anything, what do you guys want?"

"Doesn't matter what we want," Jenna spoke up, with a radiant smile that brought me back to my easy mood. "It's your turn to decide something."

"I don't want to inconvenience-"

"It's not inconveniencing if we ask you, hun," Tyler said with a grin. "But I get where you're coming from and appreciate that."

"Taco Bell?" I suggested, a little smitten now.

"You just said that for us," Josh nudged me, and I almost lost balance. "Sorry. Gosh, isn't that stupid thing healed yet?"

"That's what I'm saying..." I replied in frustration. I bit my lip. "Pizza."

"I love you so much..." Tyler and Josh both said at the same time.

"Then donuts." I nodded in finality.

"Oh my gosh, I love you too!!" Jenna laughed.

A young person bumped into me, resulting in me almost falling, and Josh knit his brow and said, "Bro watch it, she's hurt."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't- whoa."

"Wow, you said sorry, thank you." I smiled warmly.

They gave Tyler and Josh weird looks, but kept quiet. I think their mind was racing- trying to figure out if it was really them, or just someone who really looks like Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun from Twenty One Pilots. I know if I saw someone famous somewhere I wouldn't say anything in fear of being wrong.