Run

Chapter 3 - Stuck

"Fuck fuck fuck!"

Coroebus cursed in his mind as he tries to move but his body froze. He tried to shout for help, yet he couldn't produce any sound.

"Help..me..help..place..my..organs..back.."

"What the fuck?! Why is it even speaking, and why is it even moving?!"

"Don't...run...don't..run....Accompany..me..in..this....forest... I..am..scared..and..lonely....please....accompany..me.."

The corpse crawls towards Coroebus, and he couldn't even move his head, soon the corpse's face is near his and he stares at Coroebus as if he is trying to rip his soul apart. Just when the corpse raises his hand to his face. Coroebus shuts his eyes.

"Coroebus! Dude! Wake up!"

Coroebus came to his senses, and he was lying on the ground with Max and Evania and a few medics surrounding him.

"He's awake! Bring him to the shade and take some water."

All eyes were at him as he was helped to the nearest shelter, Coroebus is unable to react to anything as he just sat there staring into blank space. 

Coroebus withdrew from the race that day and went home early with Evania accompanying him. The ride home was silent and Coroebus can clearly see Evania's worried face even though she tried to hide and gave him a smile.

"Ahh welcome my dear!" Chloe went to hug Evania as they reached home. "Why do you look troubled? And Coroebus you look pale! Did something happen? Shouldn't you guys be at the stadium?

"I'm not feeling well mum, and Evania was worried about me that's why. But I'm okay now do not worry."

Evania looked at Chloe, nodding her head, and gave her a smile. "Sorry aunty I was just shocked that's all"

"Alright, I'm glad you are well Coroebus, and Evania, I have included your favorite dishes today. So, both of you have a cup of warm water before joining us."

Their dinner went as normal and the mood change for the better with nice food and Thomas telling them some old jokes to crack them up. Coroebus and Evania soon forget about the previous incident.

"Ah!" Thomas suddenly exclaimed. "My son, you are finishing junior college soon, after that you are going for national service."

"Right..thanks for the reminder dad"

Every male citizen has to serve their country and go through 2 years of mandatory national service once they reach 18 years old. They will have to go to an island, Pulau Tekong, for 2 months of basic training as a recruit to get used to military life.

"Uncle! Can you tell us more stories back in your training days? How was it like?" Evanian asked Thomas as her eyes lit up, she loves hearing stories from Thomas and her dad about their training back then.

"Hmm..let me think about some of it that I haven't told you guys.. Ah hah! I will tell you guys an old story back in my training days as a recruit. But don't be frighten by my stories as it will get spooky..HAHAHAHA"

"Trying to scare them with your stories like how you did to me in the past?" Chloe laughed a bit.

"Well.. if I didn't tell you, you wouldn't hold onto my arms when I walked you back home before we dated and look at where we are now, with a wonderful boy and his soon-to-be girlfriend!" Thomas let out a burst of loud laughter and Chloe smack his arms.

"Look at what you said! Embarrassing them!"

Both Coroebus and Evania blushed, trying not to make any eye contact as it is just too awkward for them.

"Alright alright, let me get straight to the stories. This happens back when I was in Tekong island when we had a five-day field camp in the forest."

And the word 'forest' suddenly struck some familiarity in Coroebus's mind.