40 GONE
ARIEL’S POV
I walked behind Mason as we both got close to the gigantic fire. Well, he got close. I was a little bit far from him, slowing down my pace. Yeah I knew he was a psychopath, but I had not idea he was this crazy.
Getting really close to a fire huge like that? No one in his right senses would do that? But this scumbag right here was actually surprising me.
And I kept on watching him inch closer to the roaring inferno. I couldn’t help but question his sanity. I would keep on doing that over and over.
I mean, who willingly gets up close and personal with a fire that could roast a Christmas turkey in 3 seconds flat? It was like he had a secret death wish or something. And if he did, I would be really glad. At least it would reduce the number of scumbags in the earth.
Meanwhile, I continued to do my best to maintain a safe distance, like the responsible, self- preserving human being that I am.
“What are you even doing?” I aksed, still walking slowly.
“You ask too many questions,” he replied, not glancing at me.
“This is crazy, you know. Like, are going to walk in that fire?”
Mason turned to give me a quick look. “Maybe.”
“This is absolutely insane. But it won’t be surprising, cause you’re insane yourself.”
“You can shut up, and just follow me, okay.”
“You’re like six inches away from that fire. And you want me to keep on following you. Okay, what are you planning to do now, huh. Perform a miracle?”
Mason glared at me, but gave the fire his attention back. He squatted, and I just crossed my arms, watching him.
And you want to know what happened next? Oh boy, when that fire started crackling and growling like an angry beast, I swear I let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like being in the front row of a pyrotechnics concert gone wrong!
But you know what really cracked me up? This jerk sitting in front of me. While I was busy channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at a raging fire like it’s the latest episode of their favorite TV show?
I couldn’t help but admire his unshakeable calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the flames, or maybe he was just auditioning for the role of the Fire Whisperer.
Who knows? All I can say is that while I was two steps away from dialing the fire department, Mason was still sitting on his heels, probably contemplating the meaning of life amidst the inferno.
And at this moment, I couldn’t decide whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But everyone has their quirks, right? Some people collect stamps, others stare
down fiery monsters like it’s a walk in the park.
So there we were, me who screamed like a maniac, and Mason casually enjoying his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole night staring at some idiot who was staring at a holocaust, like he was worshipping it or something.
LUKE’S POV
“What’s the problem? What terrible news have you come to give me?” I aksed my
grandfather’s driver. His name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And I kind of loved him for his calm attitude.
Perter’s gaze was fixed downwards, and his hesitation to give me a reply, had a million thoughts rolling in my head at the moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course, the man was old, but I still loved him, and didn’t want to lose him yet. “Why are you being silent now? Tell me what the problem is?” I asked Peter, moving closer to
him.
And at this moment, my heart pounded in my chest as I waited for his response. His hesitant silence only fueled my worry, and my mind raced with a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather had left the earth? What if his sickness had finally prevailed over him? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I struggled to keep my anxiety in check.
Memories of my grandfather flooded my mind his gentle smile, his wise words, and the warmth of his embrace. Well, sometimes he was a total maniac.
But he had always been a pillar of strength for our family, and the mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through me. This was the realization that life was fragile and unpredictable. Struck me with a heavy weight right here.
And as the seconds ticked by, I couldn’t help but replay the last conversation I had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there anything left unsaid? Regret washed over me like a tidal wave, intensifying my worry and fueling a deep sense of unease.
But I needed to pull myself together. All these were just thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the news Peter had come to give me.
“Answer me now!” I yelled at Peter, tears popping up in my eyes.
“It’s Sir Reynold. He’s… he’s… he’s dead.”
“Say what now?” I seized Peter’s shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you just say?” I yelled again, not wanting to believe the information.
“I’m sorry sir, but he’s no more.”
Peter couldn’t look me in the eyes. He was also shattered. But his pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No this couldn’t be. I loved that man. I didn’t want to lose him.
We stood still, with tears streaming down our faces, the weight of the news hung heavy in the air, and had to let go of Peter.
It felt like the world had crumbled beneath my feet, leaving me stranded in a sea of sorrow. My heart ached, unable to comprehend the reality that my beloved grandfather was no longer
AS GONE
with us.
The memories flooded my mind, each one a precious moment spent with him. From his warm smile that could light up a room to his gentle voice that always reassured me, his absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill. He had been a pillar of strength, a guiding light in my life, and now that light had been extinguished.
This was so painful, losing a remarkable friend, who always wanted me to be in the right path. And indeed I was angry at me sometimes. But he was only trying his best to prevent me from going astray.
Peter cleaned his tears. “An hour before his death, he handed me this letter, and said I should give it to you.”
Peter slowly gave me the letter. “He said you that was his wish, and he wanted you to fulfill it, even if he was no more.”
Peter burst into tears again, and quickly turned his face away. Riley placed her hand on my shoulder, crying as well. She loved the man just the way I did.
With my eyes still filled with tears, I carefully opened the letter.
