Help Me Remember

Chapter 1

Charlie Walsh's POV

*

The burning in my legs due to pedaling was a welcomed feeling. Ever since a couple of week ago cycling had been my escape of sorts. I cycled at the fastest speeds I could. The roaring of the wind in my ears filled my head and drowned out all else.

My only companion a Husky dog named Oscar. Oscar took to racing by my side. On the occasion he got tired and stopped so would I.

Cycling helped to forget what had happened a mere weeks ago. Not that forgetting was a hard feat for my brain.
Finally after a solid hour and a half I come to a stop infront of the small corner store.

This was a routine of sorts for me. I had always found comfort in doing stuff a certain way. Routine made stuff predictable, and after the incident predictable was something I needed desperately.
I press my hand against the cool metal bar of the door and let it stay for a bit before swaying the door open. The bell above the door rang grabbing the cashier's attention just for a moment. I nod my greetings to cashier idling on his seat, legs casually propped up on the counter, nonchalant about the fact that a customer had entered. But I don't mind as I make my way towards the wide array of snacks in the far corner of the shop.

"That would be $2.54", the bored looking cashier says bagging my water bottle and ice lolly as Oscar places his paws on the top of the counter and his inquisitive little head pops up in plain sight of the cashier. This makes him smile. I wasn't surprised. Oscar had this charm about him, being able to lift the spirits of anyone, radiating positive energy.

I hand him the money, accept my change and walk out of the store with Oscar tailing me. Outside I plop down on a bench, exhausted, and open the bottle of water pouring some into my palms for Oscar. After that he settles down on top of my feet and other than the occasional getting up to inspect a rock or catching the scent of a squirrel and going to investigate he stays still.

I open the ice lolly packet. There's a burst of a lemon flavor in my mouth and I relax against the bench pulling my phone out to scroll through it aimlessly.

The park infront of me was also buzzing with energy as there was never a moment in the time I was there that I had been alone in the park, which was just fine with me. It gave me a sense of security, being alone here would just creep me out.

The people were friendly, always giving a kind smile or greeting whenever they passed by. Maybe this wasn't such a bad place to be after all.

I stall for as long as I can. I really don't want to back to the house. But I have no choice so long after the ice lolly finished and the sun begins disappearing over the horizon, I begin the long cycle back to the house.

*

"Sweetie, Charlie! Where have you been? We were getting so worried."

"Yeah Charlie! Didn't we buy you that new phone so you can let us know where you are and when you're going to be late?"

I'm bombarded with questions from my uncle and aunt. Worry laces their tone as they fuss over me, letting me know that they were concerned about my well being.

"Sorry guys. Lost track of time", I lie straight to their faces. But I was accustomed to lying. By now I was pretty good at it, making my face devoid of any guilt. I wonder what gave me this talent.

"It's okay sweetie. We were just worried about you. Come on, go wash up and come to eat dinner. I'll set up the table." Aunt Camila replies.

I go up to my room to wash up, splashing fresh water on my face.I study myself in the mirror for awhile watching the droplets rush down my face.