Caving In

13. Time Doesn't Care About Anyone or Anything

Song: (Coffee's For Closers)

Artist: Fall Out Boy

"Jack! You can't just give me this! It's your prized possession!" I exclaimed as he pushed the card into my hand. 

"Take it! It's yours now. I'm afraid a I can't join you today at the tournament." He shook his head with a sad look in his eyes. 

"But why not? You said you would come with me!" 

"Family issues have arisen. I can't just cast them away to go play at a tournament!" I flinched, tears welled up in my eyes. Jack's face held shame as he apologized softly.

"Go, Chael. Make me proud, and win the tournament for me. Okay?" He wiped away the tears that rolled down my cheeks. He hugged me tightly, whispered a small goodbye, and walked away.

I ended up winning the tournament. First place. The prize card being a promo card, the original Waving Deletor, Greidhol. Not the reboot version, that happens 2 years later I think. I was given a bunch of booster packs, and a Dragonic Overlord, The "X", to complete my Kagero deck. I held onto Jack's card: Salvation Lion, Grand Ezel Scissors.

 I had this bad feeling in my gut, like something bad was going to happen. So when I got home, the first thing I did was drop everything off in my room and run to Jack's house, which was just 15 minutes away. When I arrived, I saw the swarm of cars and flashing lights. I found Jack's mother crying, and his father talking with a police officer who's expression was grim. I ran over as quickly as my little feet could carry me. 

"Chael, my sweet child, you shouldn't be here! Oh Chael, please don't look- Chael!" Jack's mother called out to me and tried to hold me back. But I had already looked at Jack's mangled body, cuts and blood all over him. I was only 10, and he was 13. 

I really should have hugged him back.

Saturday

I woke up to somebody patting my hair, and giggling. My eyes stung due to the amount of light the sun was producing.

"Someone, close the goddamn curtains..." I muttered. Nothing came out of my mouth. Breezy, who was beside me and playing with my hair passed me a cup of water that was sitting beside her. I repeated myself, and she went to go close them, making the room a touch bit darker. Not much, but it was still something.

"How're you feeling today, Chael? Does your throat still hurt?" She asked me, and passed me more water. I drank the liquid a little too fast, and started choking.

"It hurts a little, but I think I'm okay for now." I told her. She smiled at me, and continued playing with my hair.

"Say, when do I get out of here?" I asked her.

"Uh, when your parent or guardian comes to sign you out." She told me. I looked at the clock. It was still quite early in the morning. 9:00.

"Who else is here?" I asked. Breezy thought about it, and held up three fingers.

"Me, your friend, Margaret, and another guy who's name I forgot." She shrugged.

"Oh. Okay then. Where are they?"

"Went to go get coffee. And no, you can't have any." I pouted. I loved coffee.

"Chael..?" Breezy started slowly, as if she was afraid that what she asked next might insult me or something.

"Yes..?" I mocked her. She slapped me on the arm and laughed.

"I mentioned a card yesterday. It was pretty cool looking, and I know you don't play Gold Paladins, but how did you get that card, and why?" She asked me quickly. I was silent for a moment.