So Long and G'night

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Kenny, wake up...

“I am awake!”

It's time to go to school, dear.

“Are you sure you're going to be okay? I mean, with Connor and all...”

As long as you believe in me. I love you, Kenny.

“Love you too, Mom.” I open my eyes to a foggy and musty setting. Being in here, in the rundown diner with no resources to support me besides a roof, I'd take any day over remembering last night: Carl is dead, and so is Ritsu. And evidently, my mom is dead as well. Oh, how dreams can be so sweet. So sweet, you never want to wake up...

I attempt to adjust my position, yet glance down and realize a girl is resting on me, sleeping... and still hugging my waist, for that matter. Oh Ally. The brunette stirs as I struggle to move some more, opening one eye and staring straight up at me. “Hey, Kenny, did you sleep okay?” Her face is completely dehydrated—she must have been crying once I passed out.

“I slept fine,” I mutter, “but YOU look like you need some water.” She releases her arms from their grip and I stand up out of the booth, stretching my arms. Looking over, Danielle and Shane are still asleep, with his arms wrapped around her and her head on his chest. “I think I'll let them sleep...”

I walk over to the control box behind the counter and flip the switch. The lights softly flicker for a moment before solidifying their brightness, which is dimly illuminating the diner. This causes Shane to wake up, following Danielle. “Hey, what's for breakfast?” the blonde announces, half asleep.

“Come with me and look,” I chuckle. He lets go of Danielle and stands up—not before kissing her forehead—to walk over by me. Danielle's face seems quite pale and lifeless, but her eyes say otherwise. Her eyes are an icy mint sort of hue. They radiate hatred and revenge.

Us boys concurrently shove our hands in our pockets, palming the knives that are settled there, and continue into the back of the diner. Once we enter the back room, Shane doubles over, onto the floor. “Dude, are you okay?” I whisper, not wanting Danielle to hear me ask that question, if there had to be one. I hold him around the chest and pick him up.

“I'm really not okay,” he chokes out. “I haven't cried all night...I held all my anger and sadness, because I didn't want crying to put even more stress on Danielle. Also you and Ally, of course. I just can't get my head together—Carl is dead, and so is Ritsu. Who's next?!” Tears drop on the floor with a bloop to their splash. Shane has bags under his eyes that resemble that of an old man. Something the blonde is becoming to be; something that'll ruin his youth. “Am I going to die, man? I'm scared to die...”

I've never imagined in my life that Shane would utter such words that would make him seem feeble. “I don't know... but it's already 10:30 AM. We have no choice but to continue on to Miami, in hopes that no one else's loss will be another burden on us.” He nods his head and wipes droplets from his cheeks. “Come on buddy,” I say, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, “let's get out of this dump.” He nods his head and sniffs, walking along with me. I have to be strong for him.