Heartless (Completed)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The night was drenched in a relentless downpour, the rain beating against the windows like a thousand frantic hands, and the thunder roared outside like a wild beast trying to break free from the confines of the storm. Yet, in the sanctuary of my home, I found solace. I was cocooned in the warm glow of the television, my favorite movie playing—a vibrant escape from the chaos outside. In my mind, I transformed into a carefree child, racing across the slick streets, my beloved toy, Stitch, clutched tightly in my grasp. The joy surged through me as I watched him wave his arms, a beacon of happiness amid the storm, his other hand clutching a fragile paper boat, the kind that dreams are made of.

With a heart full of exhilaration, I sprinted towards him, laughter spilling from my lips, my world perfectly framed in that fleeting moment of joy. But the thrill of the chase blinded me, and I failed to notice the motorcycle barreling down the street, its engine roaring like the thunder that surrounded us.

In an instant, the scene morphed into something grotesque. I was engulfed in darkness, the world fading into a cold haze, and blood stained the ground beneath me as the rain fell harder, washing away the vibrant colors of life and leaving only the stark reality of my injury. My vision blurred, but through the fog, I glimpsed a boy—a mere figure caught in the web of my despair, his face frozen in shock, mirroring the horror that gripped my heart.

"Help..." The word slipped from my lips, barely a whisper, a desperate plea for salvation. Yet he remained motionless, a statue of fear, standing meters away, unable to respond to my silent scream for help.

"Please..." My voice cracked, and darkness enveloped me, pulling me into its depths. Just as my eyes began to close, I heard footsteps drawing near, accompanied by a familiar voice, soft and reassuring.

"I'm here." His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, a promise amid the chaos.

Slowly, I peeled my eyes open, longing to find the source of that comforting voice. The moment I blinked into focus, I was greeted by the softness of my bed and the familiarity of our room. Reality crashed over me like a wave—this was no adventure; it was a nightmare.

I flicked on the bedside lamp, my trembling fingers fumbling for my cellphone, desperate to escape the tears that streamed down my cheeks. My vision remained clouded, yet I sensed a gentle hand resting on my shoulder, and I jumped at the unexpected touch.

"Hey, it's me." The relief washed over me like a balm as Art's voice broke through my panic. I dropped my cellphone, almost forgotten, and launched myself into his embrace, clinging to him as if he were my lifeline. His hand moved slowly down my back, a tender caress that whispered promises of safety.

"I w-was a c-child and I h-hit by a motorcycle," I stammered, burying my face against his chest, the warmth of his body contrasting sharply with the chill of my nightmare.

"There's a b-boy. I can see him smiling until his smile faded, his face contorting with horror and fear. I was asking for his help, but he just stood there, frozen in place. But now, I can't remember his face..." My words trailed off into silence, swallowed by the night, as I felt Art's presence steadying me.

He remained quiet, his hand continuing its soothing rhythm on my back, offering me a sanctuary within my storm of emotions.

"And you know what's crazy? That n-nightmare feels..." I drew a deep breath, the weight of my fear threatening to choke me. "...real. I felt all the pain, and that's what scares me."

As the memory clawed its way back into my consciousness, I clutched him tightly, the panic rising like a tide. I was about to wipe the tears cascading down my cheeks when he preempted me, his hands gentle and deliberate as he brushed them away.