"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

Father Issues [] 9/11 []

"He said that 'He' doesn't do take-backs." The two are sitting in Matthew's car this time, Mattie in the passenger's seat. He's normally the one to drive. "He had like six arms. I don't know if it was just...me, or if it really happened." He leans into the seat and closes his eyes. "I don't know what's real and what's in my head."

What's reality, and what's merely a product of schizophrenia? That's a good question.

"I half expect to just...wake up. To realize that this was all a dream."

"I wish that were the case."

If they were to be asked, they'd explain that they're in the car for privacy. They don't want anyone overhearing what they're talking about. But that would only be a half-truth.

Matthew and Draco know why they're really in the car.

"He wouldn't tell me what I did. But he said that the contract is in my blood."

Draco is staring at the wheel. Matthew's eyes are still closed.

"He said I could ask him myself."

There it is.

"Do you want to?"

"I want to know. Don't you think I should know? Whether I sold my soul? I think it's something I should know."

"I would want to know."

"So we should go ask."

"And you're sure we can't get it back? If this is all real. If you sold it. Surely there's some way to get it back."

"That's one thing I do know for sure...he said no take-backs."

Draco starts the car and looks behind him as he pulls out of the driveway. "We'll see about that."