The Mystery of Corpse Island

Chapter II - Distractions

              I woke up the next morning, my head wandering in absolute confusion. I inspected my surroundings to reassure myself that everything I recalled was just a startling nightmare. I pieced myself back together and got up all my courage to face another day. Tuesday, it isn't as awful as Monday, but not quite the type of day that you would rejoice. I casually unlocked my phone just to see that message from the hospital. Well, maybe all the things were just my head's made-up figures except for this one. I sighed, I planned to go out with my friends for a group dinner, but I may need to back out on this event.

           I hastily did my daily routine. Rushing to school, I nearly tripped on a couple of stones. My head was running wild and my thoughts were scattered all over. I don't know how much I can take in from this class with everything that is happening. I got in college much earlier than most of the students, which gave me time to puzzle the pieces together in peace.

          It's been thirty minutes since I arrived and now what feels like a stampede of students barged in the school hallway. Chatters of the students echoed throughout the hallway, now not a place in the school isn't occupied. Professors discussed their lesson plans in the teachers' lounge, at least that is what I was told they do, and my best friend Jenny just came in. It was the beginning of another day, each day becoming duller than the last. Although, this time I was always lost in thought and my mind was filled with the misery which distracts me from concentrating on what needs to be done.

                 "Meet me in my office after this lesson, Mr Jones." My professor called out from across the classroom. For around the third time, I was snapped back to reality from my horrid thoughts. My head was agonizing from not being able to take sufficient rest. As soon as the noisy bell rang once more, I packed my things and headed for the office. How can today get any worse than it already is?

                    "Mark, you seem awfully distracted today. What happened? You were such a participative student. If there is anything wrong, tell me." The teacher kept rambling about how keeping an intense feeling inside can damage me. As we spoke, I saw a black shadow flashed behind him for a split second. I stood up all so sudden which made the professor yelp in surprise. "Mark Jones, sit down!" The teacher abruptly hissed. I sat back down, fidgeting with my thumbs. My concern was not the teacher, but the flashing figure I saw before my eyes. "Sir, the thing is there is a black figure-" "Only speak when I permit you, Mr Jones, this is highly disrespectful!" The professor rudely interrupted. His long beard, moving along his rude mouth, was stationary somehow. His eyes glinted a hint of rage but filled with frustration. The creases on his forehead and the curving eyebrows warned me this was not going to end well. Yet, as soon as I thought that, the bell rang indicating the start of the next lesson. I was dismissed from the office and he said that it was the final straw.

             Class ended after decades of waiting and giving attention to the teacher's dead voice. Nobody really enjoyed college here, but they know that it was the only way for them to not end up homeless. As we headed home, I noticed Jenny already left. She was quite early today, I thought as I strolled down the hallways. She is probably preparing for the group dinner. I quickly whipped out my phone from the side pocket of my military patterned backpack and sent a text to my group regarding my absence.

"Yo, sorry, I won't be able to make it today. I have an urgent call from the hospital as my grandmother isn't doing very well.
Please understand my situation, I will
hang out with you guys sometime once everything is okay."

                                 -Markie Boi

I feel quite guilty of not going to our hang out, but I know my priorities. That night I rushed over to Collins Harbor Hospital. I took permission from the reception to visit my grandmother. I located the room in which she laid and gave a soft knock on the door. I gently opened the door to reveal my grandmother on her deathbed. I hurried over to her and gave her a warm hug. "Mark, my boy, look at you, all grown up!" Her quiet yet soothing whisper broke my heart. A small tear began trickling down my cheek. "Yes grandma, all grown up.," I replied with a little smile. My eyes became watery and my heart began to sink. All that we had gone through was coming to an end; a grandma who loved me just as much as I loved her, someone there to support me and encourage me to keep doing better, someone who never lets me be. "Grandma is there anything I can do to help you get through this, I believe you can just... Hold on for me, please..." "Mark, this is my time. There is nothing we can do to stop God's plan from happening. God takes care of you and will take care of you as soon as I depart." "Grandma..."

"There is something I want you to know before I go..."