Is Not Saving Someone The Same As Killing Them? || Joshler (Bromance)

-.-. .... .- .--. - . .-. .---- ----- (10)

It was New Year's Eve, Josh had gone out of town to see his family and celebrate but Tyler was stuck in their suffocating, small town. His house was buzzing with family. Grandparents, cousins, siblings who weren't in their rooms now. He also wasn't allowed to hide away in his room, he needed to 'be a good host'. But, when everyone was gathered in front of the TV and focusing on the countdown, Tyler snuck out the back door. He was just closing it when everyone erupted in cheers and popped those mini-confetti things. Poppers, Tyler thought they were called, maybe not though.

It was officially a new year. A new year and Tyler found himself alone again, still wanting to disappear. To melt away. To fall to literal pieces and blow across his yard and away into the atmosphere. He trudged through the cold, wet snow as more snowflakes fell gently on his shoulders. He made his way down to the now semi-frozen creek behind his house, tucked cozily away in the woods. He hummed a tune to himself as he dropped onto a large rock slab on the creek bed, leaning back and staring at the sky as his nose, fingers and toes became steadily numb, "I'm a goner... somebody catch my breath...."

After a while of laying there, tears falling from his eyes unknowingly and unwillingly, Tyler pulled his phone out of his pocket. He had pulled up the recents tab of his dial pad and had his thumb hovering over Josh's contact--Spooky Jim it read--when he stopped. Was he really in such a bad spot that he needed to ruin his best friends good night? No, he didn't think he was. Not yet. 

Tyler let his hand drop to his side, let his phone fall from his hand and into the snow beside the cold stone he was sprawled upon. He stared at the sky, his breath coming in shallow puffs in the night, for what felt like years and seconds all at once. Eventually he fell asleep.

Tyler woke only a few hours later. He didn't know what had woken him but he was startled to find himself in the woods. At least he'd remembered his winter coat. And a black beanie. He knew he had to have brought his phone, it stayed in his pocket no matter what, so he began to look around for it when he realized it wasn't still there. He saw the screen light up, flashing the time. Tyler pulled it from the snow, it was 3:01 in the morning. He brushed some ice-y remnants of snow off the screen and looked at his notifications. There were multiple messages each from both of his parents, seven missed calls, two voicemails and another swarm of messages from Josh. He looked at the messages from his dad first.

Dad: Where are you? 12:31a.m.

You need to get home. 12:45a.m.

Tyler, your mother is worried. 1:02a.m.

Okay, I'm worried now, Tyler. Answer. 2:23a.m.

Mom: Tyler, your cousins left, where are you? 12:42a.m.

Tyler, you need to get home. I'm worried. 12:59a.m.

Please answer my calls! 1:25a.m.

Just let me know you're okay 1:50a.m.

Tyler Robert Joseph answer the phone or come home! 2:24a.m.

Tyler, we won't be mad, we're just so worried 2:42a.m.

Tyler groaned and ran his hands through his hair, "Why am I such a screw up?" He closed his SMS and opened his other messages, these from Josh.

Josh: Hey, happy New Year! Sorry I didn't tell ya sooner :) 12:50a.m.

You okay? Did you already fall asleep, party pooper? 1:00a.m.

Your mom just called me 1:31a.m.

She wanted to know where you are 1:31a.m.

Are you okay? 1:32a.m.

Please answer 1:52a.m.

Pick up the phone, Ty 2:08a.m.

Tyler, I'm freaking out, please answer! 2:21a.m.

Let me know your okay, please. Just one message, anything. 2:40a.m.

Tyler punched his thigh in anger at himself as he swiped the screen down and opened the voicemails, "You have two unheard messages. Press one to hea-," Tyler cut the machine off by pressing one, "First unheard message. Sent 12:51a.m., from Mom: Tyler, it's your mom. You need to come home. I don't know where you went but your cousins left and your grandparents will be leaving soon. Next unheard message. Sent 2:19a.m., from Spooky Jim: Tyler, man, please answer. I've already called twice. This isn't like you. Your mom and I just want to know you're okay. I'm really worried. Just tell me you're alright."

Tyler hit the red, decline button before the machine could start again. Before anything else, Tyler answered Josh.

Tyler: I'm okay. I'm sorry.

Josh: Tyler!

I was so scared. Where did you go? Your mom is really worried

Tyler: I fell asleep. I'll explain later if I can, I have to get home

Josh: Okay... please be safe, Skelly

Tyler shoved his phone in his pocket and flipped his coat hood up. He was terrified that his parents would be pissed. If anything, his dad probably would be. Tyler pushed his numb legs forward through the snow, his hands stuffed in his pockets and his nose running. Eventually, he arrived at his back door. He kicked the snow off his shoes and walked into the house. He kept his hands in his pocket and his head down, shoulders hunched, as he walked into the living room. His mom stood up immediately, she looked weepy, "Tyler, oh my god! Where were you?" She wrapped her arms around her son and Tyler laid his head on her shoulder and began to cry.

Tyler's dad walked into the room from the kitchen and stood in the doorway. He pretended to be miffed, but he was just glad Tyler was alive and unharmed.

Tyler went up to his room after promising he'd get into dry, warm clothes and that they'd "talk about this tomorrow".