The Shadow's Play

3.Void

I clutched his coat closer to my chest.

I remember every single day I had with him.

Months after I bumped into him, I was sitting at my kitchen counter taking in the mouthwatering aroma of the food.

"What would I do without you Colton?"

He walked over, setting the vessel on the counter and dragging a chair towards me.

"You managed eighteen years fine without me, Sweetheart," he said pinching my nose. "I'm sure you'd have been just fine."

"Not with all the food you're offering."

He laughed.

He pulled me closer to him.

"You have a very large void somewhere in you," he said.

"What do you mean?"

"There is this large void you have made within yourself. It's not empty. It's filled. Do you know with what?"

I shook my head.

"Insecurity is the first one. The other one's loneliness. Even more, fear, distrust, sorrow, pessimism, shyness-"

"Okay, okay, I get it," I said placing my hand over his mouth.

He took my hand in his, stroking it.

"Just shake it all away. You're not alone."

"I know."

I tried standing up again, the coat still in my hand. Colton wouldn't leave me.

I stretched my hands about me and took a step forward. At the next one, my foot stepped on air. I lost my balance and fell.

"How did you get up there?" Colton shouted.

"I don't know, I was following a boy and the next thing I know, I was up in this tree."

"You're hopeless, Sweetheart."

"Colton, I'm scared."

"Don't be," he spoke soothingly. "Do as I tell you, okay?"

I nodded.

"Grip the banch that's right of you, tightly."

I did as he told.

"Now lower your left foot slowly."

I lowered my foot, only to slip on the branch. I raised it back up.

"It's too slippery Colton!"

He sighed.

"Listen! I need you to jump."

"What? No!"

"Don't worry. I'll catch you. Trust me."

"But Colton-"

"Just jump and then fall. My arms will be ready to catch you."

"No! I'm too scared!"

"Do you remember what I told you weeks ago?"

"What?"

"About your void."

"Yeah."

"You're letting it get the best of you."

"No, I'm not!"

"Then jump!"

I bit my bottom lip. I'm sure I climbed a lot. Even if Colton catches me, he'll probably break his arm.

"You sure?"

"Positive." I felt a smile in his voice.

"Okay."

And then I jumped.

Before I even felt it, two arms entwined around my body, supporting all my weight. He fell on the ground with me on top of him.

"You broke your arm, didn't you?"

"No, I didn't."

"Liar!"

I gripped my ankle from the fall. How can I miss the stairway! My senses are completely messed up. Colton would've caught me.

I miss you Colton.