The "18" Chronicles

PROLOGUE - Adapted from my upcoming debut novel, "18"

PROLOGUE

July 16th

Menelik took off running again, finding himself at Morgan Park beach, his favorite place in the world. However, the beach didn't feel comforting like it usually did. There was no feeling of escapism or security.

In the span of a weekend, Menelik had lost everything. His family. The love of his life. His best and only friend in the whole world, and that one was his own fault. Just a couple days ago, Menelik was full of joy and hope. Now Menelik had nothing. He felt broken, lost, and empty.

How did I end up here? he wondered as he sat absent-mindedly in the sand, distraught and depressed.

The waves gently rolled ashore and a heron called out somewhere nearby. Menelik couldn't go home, he'd been thrown out. Shadeira wasn't returning his calls, and he was ignoring texts from Christian, as well as texts and calls from almost his entire family.

A song was stuck in Menelik's head, "Swim Good" by Frank Ocean. Now, as Menelik sat on the beach thinking about the song, an idea struck him. Rifling through his bag, Menelik found a pen and an old receipt and wrote a brief but sincere note on the back of it. He then stood up and took off his shoes and socks. He left the note with his stuff on the beach and walked to the water's edge. Stepping into the waves, the shock of the cold water made Menelik flinch.

"Swim good, swim good, swim good..."

Menelik had made his decision. His mind turned to Dr. Green. Weeks prior, after Menelik revealed he had a dream where he attempted suicide, Dr. Green asked him how the dream ended. What choice would Menelik make? Where Menelik saw his future going. At the time, Menelik was optimistic. But now...

It's too late for me now.

The aching cold inched its way up Menelik's shivering body as he stepped deeper into the water, aiming for the horizon. Thankfully, his body was starting to feel as numb as his emotions. Menelik just wanted it all to be over.

How did I end up here?