Story Dump

Imaginary Friend

The shock of it all, the heat that came with the pain.. how did I ever think I would live through this?

My eyes widened as I watched a man pull out his gun outside the bar I just walked out of, he was aiming straight at a woman's forehead. They were barely 3 feet apart and it appeared as though they'd gotten into an argument. I couldn't just leave and let him shoot her, she surely wouldn't survive. I jumped in front of the woman, barely pushing her out of the way as the man pressed on the trigger.

It was just an impulse, I wasn't thinking at all.

The whole situation escalated fast but the everlasting shock and the burning pain that ripped through me lasted way too long as I fell to the ground. I told myself I'd survive this but deep down, I knew the bullet protruded too close to my heart. I'll never forget any of this but I don't regret my actions one bit. I'd jump in front of that woman again if it meant that I saved a life, even if it meant taking my own.

As I laid on the cool pavement, I watched the woman run off into the woods and I knew she would get help as soon as it was safe. The man ran off and sped away in his car, I knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself after tonight because of the look in his eyes when he shot an innocent man.

                        Me.

And with everyone gone, I felt the pain swallow me whole and I shut my eyes with the hope that I'd pass over quickly.

I welcomed the bright, white light with open arms as I knew what came next. I was a Christian so it had to be either heaven or hell, right? I hoped I'd reach heaven with all the good I'd done in my life but I was genuinely surprised when I woke up.

                        Did I make it to heaven?

When I awoke, I was in a child's bedroom and I was completely dumbfounded. There was a little boy in the room too and I was astonished that he did not freak out when he saw me in his room. "You're finally awake!" The little boy cheered, seeming rather excited for having a stranger in his room. I furrowed my eyebrows as my eyes trained on the window in the room, it was broad daylight like I'd imagined but everything appeared to be exactly like Earth.

"Who are you? How did I get here?" I asked as I turned around from the window, this had to be some sick joke. Did I even pass away? Maybe I was just dreaming..

The boy just giggled and clapped his hands, "I'm Mikey. Your friend, silly!" He said with such certainty, it was like he knew me. The Mikey kid was sweet but I was worried about his parents coming in and seeing me, I had to leave immediately.

Unfortunately, his mother came in the room and leaned against his door. She didn't even bat an eye at me, It was as if she didn't even see me! I stayed quiet as she spoke to Michael, asking him about who he was talking to. "I talkin' to my new friend." He smiles, pointing straight at me. I cursed to myself as I looked at the woman when she looked my way.

"Hello, Michael's friend." She greeted, I slowly waved back with an awkward smile. She held out her hand for me to shake so I shook her hand, but I could tell she was just pretending for Michael. She didn't really think I was there, it was the look in her eyes that gave me the clue.

It was like she looked through me and not at me.

I stood there, stunned as she just casually talked to Michael about me. I tried to think about what was going on while they spent time together, I couldn't comprehend what this world was. I didn't think I made it to heaven but I didn't get into hell either.

    Maybe this is like an in-between?

Ideas were coursing through my mind but none of them seemed right. Before I knew it, Michael's mom was leaving his room and he looked to me like he wanted something. "What's your name?" Michael asks as I peer down at him. "Ashton." I replied, I felt intrigued by the child. It seemed like only he could see me and actually interact with me, which was odd to say the least.

My thoughts ran wild as I tried to think about how I got here in the first place and what do next. How was this all possible? It had to be some form of heaven or some sort of test! I sat on Michael's bed, staring at the little guy before deciding it would probably be best to try and get to know him. Maybe as we got to know each other, I would find out what this place really was and hopefully why I was here. I was especially intrigued by the fact that only he could see me but I wondered if other children could see me too? I heard that kids can see ghosts, maybe that's all I was.

        I'm just a ghost. There is no heaven or hell.

"How old are you, Mikey?" I asked, curiously. He only grinned and very proudly answered, "I'm five!" As he sat beside me on his bed and wrapped his little arms around me. I just smiled and continued to ask random questions about him ranging from his favourite food to the best thing he'd ever done with his life so far. Of course, he'd also ask me lots of questions too; he was just a curious kid after all.

I smiled and sighed, "I used to be a drummer and I loved music." I told the eager boy as he continued to hug me, he was adorable and very cuddly. "I like music.. maybe you can teach me how to drum?" He looked up to me and I nodded, placing my hand in his hair as I played with his soft blonde locks. I had always wanted to be a father but I died before I got the chance, maybe this was my shot. My own heaven?

My only chance of fatherhood.

I hung out with Michael all day and got to know him quite well. I began to feel comfortable here and around him, though this was all still very weird to me. I played with him, reached the cookies off the high shelf for him and I even got to cuddle him as he fell asleep that night while we watched a few movies. We were totally up past his bedtime but it was worth it. The whole day had been amazing, despite all the confusion after I passed on. This all felt like a whole new life with no worries and no problems. This may not be heaven or hell, but it's my home now. And as the night came to end the day, it dawned on me that the reason only Michael could see me and interact with me was because..

            I was Michael's imaginary friend.