How He Broke

Forever... (Tate's POV)

(TRIGGER WARNING: MILDLY GRAPHIC SCENES OF UTTER INSANITY AND DEATH)

I could tell there was something off about Sage even after I had apologized to her about the fight we had.

She was distant and cold. As if she didn't want anyone around. Every time I'd approach her she'd flinch as if she was afraid I'd hurt her.

Recently, despite the warm spring air, she'd been wearing long sleeves and jeans, something completely out of the ordinary for her.

When I'd ask her about it, she would simply claim that she was cold and to not worry too much about it.

I knew she was hiding something, I just didn't know what.

Today, Sage's mother said she'd take care of Indigo so that we could have a little break.

As excited as I was about that, Sage just seemed empty. 

"Are you okay?" I asked as we sat on her bed. 

She nodded, giving me a weak smile. 

"Sage what's going on? You can talk to me." I said, scooting closer to her.

"I just don't feel so good." She finally admitted to me. "Maybe I just need some fresh air." Another forced smile.

"Okay." I nodded as I stood, offering a hand out to her.

She took it graciously. I pulled her up, catching her as she stumbled forward, collapsing into my arms.

"Sage?" 

She didn't respond. She was unconscious in my arms. 

I collapsed to the floor with Sage in my arms. "Sage?" I began to panic, lightly tapping her face. "Sage wake up." 

She didn't wake up. I hovered my hand over her mouth, feeling the hot air leave; she was still breathing.

"Renee!" I yelled, "Renee help!" 

Renee came rushing in, gasping at the sight. "Get her some water and call 911." Renee said, taking my place as she held Sage's head in her lap.

"Sage sweetie," Renee spoke softly. "Sage can you hear me?"

I ran down the stairs, skidding into the kitchen to grab a glass of water before rushing up to give it to Renee.

I handed the water to Renee before quickly making my way back down to grab the phone, dialing 911. 

Everything became one big blur as an ambulance showed up within seconds of my call, rushing upstairs to get Sage. 

I watched in horror as they carried her out on a stretcher, a mask over her mouth.

"Tate, stay here with Indigo." Renee said to me as she followed the paramedics down the stairs and towards the door. "I'll call you as soon as we find out what's going on."

Before I could respond or even begin to process what was happening, I was left alone standing in the entryway. 

I was in shock, at a loss for words for the events that had just unfolded before me. 

It felt surreal, like it was a dream. 

Within an instant the phone was ringing. Had I been standing in the same place that long? Was it really Renee calling to tell me what had happened?

Before I could think to much, I ran to the phone, answering it.

"Hello?" I answered completely out of breath.