blow out the candles || t.w.d (short story)

ii || ignorance isn't bliss

this is so bad bye 

Josh's phone clattered to the ground, the screen smashing immediately upon impact. The muffled distant voice on the other line was still talking, probably asking if he was still there. His trembling hands covered his face as he started quietly sobbing.

Things were gonna change a lot and he wasn't sure he liked it. Already everything felt like a dream, everything was in slow motion. Was the world even spinning anymore? Was he breathing? Is everything real?

He was secretly hoping this was all one cruel nightmare so he could wake up and hug Cooper and tell him how much he appreciated and loved him.

In reality, Josh was staring at his bare ceiling, watching the shadow of the tree dance in the soft moonlight.

It reminded him of the stupid tree they climbed as kids and the stupid tree they built their treehouse in. The stupid tree that shed the most gorgeous auburn leaves in autumn that they used to jump in with their sister. That stupid tree full of some of Josh's most treasured memories. That stupid tree that Josh looks at which causes him to get a bitter melancholy taste on his tongue.

Josh began humming delicately to himself.

"The other day I was thinking about changing my mind around,"

He trailed off and sighed sadly.

"Stupid song. Stupid lyrics." He huffed, tears building in the rim of his eyes.

Josh hadn't picked up a guitar since... Since a few days ago. Looking at the gorgeous cyan guitar made the bile in his throat rise up further than he'd like. Coop suggested he'd buy it because it would be cool to take on tour, considering it's well... Cyan. He never wanted to pick up a single musical instrument ever again. He felt as though he was betraying Coop.

Josh thought life was hard before but he was so very wrong.

-----------

Later in the morning, Josh had had enough of looking at the roof. He swung his legs over his bed and walked downstairs. He dragged his hand lazily down his face as he yawned. The bags under his eyes were as close to black as his skin could show on his pallid tone. He bypassed the kitchen and sat on the couch. Their... His unit felt so empty without Coop. It was deadly quiet and ghostly. Josh hadn't moved anything in Coop's room let alone walk down that part of the hall. He avoided it all costs, just like he hadn't stepped foot in their music and practice room. Everything was useless. His life. Him. Useless.

~ Coop's POV ~

Surviving the crash was just the beginning. I was so tired and Josh ignored me all the time, making me wonder what I did. I think he's just upset about it. He doesn't talk to me, acknowledge me or even ask about me. He hasn't left the house; he didn't even pick me up from hospital.

I tried to talk to him and tell him it wasn't my fault. I was driving safely and the truck just came out of nowhere and hit me. It was awful. It's like that part in a dream when you fall from the sky and hit the ground. Your body jolts awake in the real world except only I didn't jolt awake, I jolted and then everything went black. Things were black for a while, until things went white. Then I woke up in hospital, all battered and bruised. It wasn't painful, I guess maybe thanks to the painkillers. I was left to get myself home. I had to walk because I didn't have a car and Mum wouldn't pick up the phone. I haven't been to see my sister or Mum yet but I should get around to it. I was fairly certain they all visited but who knows how long I was out for.

Now I was spending my days trying to talk to Josh but he won't go into my room so I kind of just sit there doing nothing. I was worried about him; I mean he wasn't eating or doing anything. He wouldn't even sleep. I practiced drums which was really loud but it didn't phase him. It's like he's deaf or something. Everyday feels like a dream or a different world. I was merely coaxing through each day as a figment of my own world.

I walked downstairs to see Josh on the couch, the TV running. He was passed out thank god, considering he's gone three whole days without a single second of rest. I knew his body would give out sooner or later whether he wanted it to or not. He hadn't taken his medication in a while so I assumed that was causing it all.

I approached him quietly and pulled a blanket over his frail frame. His chest rose and fell in steady rhythms, finally giving me some peace of mind. 

sorry it's bad!! hope you liked it anyways.

K.R <3