Sparks

Thirty-Four

Before his departure to Earth, the president of Ollama had told his citizens to gather in City Square to witness the execution of Christopher Anthony John Martin. They did so, not because they were told to, but because they were curious. Chris had been so loyal to his father and to the president, and even though his father and the president were on two different sides, as a boy, Chris hadn't realized that and had vowed his life to serve his life to the president.

So, all the men of Ollama were gathered in the City Square when Jonny Buckland snapped the neck of the president.

At first, there was a silence that spread throughout the square. A silence not of mourning, but of reflection. Next, there was celebration.

"All the women! Come out! You're free! We're all free! The president is dead!"

The men grabbed the women and they danced. They celebrated and danced, while Jonny Buckland mourned.

"Goddamn it, Chris," he whispered. Tears covered his face as he watched his love slowly die. Chris' breaths were staggered and his face was losing color quickly.

Suddenly, the door opened, and two policemen barged in the room. "Are you Mr. Jonathan Buckland?" The constable asked.

He nodded. "Where's Mr. Christopher Martin?"

The sound of his name made Jonny break down again. "He's... over here," he said, pointing at Chris' body.

The policemen looked at him and back at Jonny. One of them grabbed his body and the constable watched Jonny. "What happened?"

Jonny shook his head and pointed at the president of Ollama, lying on the floor. "That man tried to strangle Chris... and I tried to stop him and he knocked me out..." Jonny paused to release another sob as the constable wrote down everything Jonny was telling him. "Then, when I woke up, I saw Chris was about to pass out and he was gripping his neck tighter... and I snapped his neck and then Chris fell to the ground and I don't know if he's going to live or not," he finished, bursting back into tears.

"Thank you, Mr. Buckland. We'll make sure your friend gets to the hospital safely, and I know that our doctors will do their best to ensure his recovery."

Jonny wiped his tears and nodded. "Can I please see him?"

The constable shook his head. "I'm sorry, but because you murdered this man, we can't allow you near Mr. Martin until we get his story."

Jonny looked at him. "Please, sir. You can watch my entire conversation. I swear I won't mention the case. I just need to see him." His eyes filled up again, softening the constable. "Please, sir."

The man sighed. "Fine, but we'll be watching you on surveillance."

Jonny smiled slightly. "Oh thank you, sir."

Once Jonny had arrived at the hospital after a lift from the kind constable, he immediately asked the lady at the front desk for Chris' room number. She pointed him in the right direction and he nearly sprinted to his fiancé.

When he entered the room and saw Chris hooked up to IVs, an oxygen mask, and a heart monitor, he burst into tears again.

"I'm sorry, Chris. I'm sorry I was knocked out and couldn't get to you sooner. I love you so much. Please live. Please. I need you."

He grabbed Chris' hands, which were so usually warm and comforting, now felt cold and hopeless.

"You promised a wedding," he whispered. "I wanna marry you, Chris. I want there to be a sun, and flowers, and our families, and music."

He gripped Chris' harder, and was surprised when he received a squeeze back.

"Chris?"

He waited and watched, hoping to see Chris' eyes open again. They fluttered for a second, before finally opening.