Tai and I were practicing soccer today and he was kicking my butt at it. I was down 3 points then suddenly Tai let up the ball and I was able to score. Things were starting to look up for me in the game then he suddenly pause. "Hey Davis," he started saying. "It's starting to get late we should go home. We can resume the game tomorrow if you want?" I stopped and frowned, "But Tai-" He cut me off, " C'mon Davis, You know your parents get worried when you are out late." & nodded and decided he was right.
We took off towards my house. It was about a fifteen minute walk. Roughly a mile from the soccer field we always played at. As we were walking it started to get really dark. We were almost home and we saw the crosswalk by my apartment. We nodded and proceeded to cross.
Tai and I were walking across the street when I suddenly felt him shove me to the ground and then I heard a bang. I started to look up and began to speak, "Ow, what was that-" I stopped speaking when I suddenly located Tai, on the ground next to me bleeding out. "Tai! Tai!" & yelled and started to cry. "Somebody call 911!" I yelled before blacking out.
I woke up in a hospital bed surrounded by my friends. Some of them looked like they have been crying. I looked around and asked, "Where's Tai?" Kari started to cry and TK comforted her. I spoke again, "Where's Tai? We were supposed to play soccer later? I can't let him win again!" Yolei then started to sob a little bit too. I spoke again this time a little bit louder. "Where the hell is Tai at?" Matt then glared at me and replied, "...Tai's dead. He died protecting you from a random shooter outside your apartment."
I looked around at everyone and yelled, "No he's not! You're lying! You're a liar! Where the hell is Tai?" I started to cry. Matt tried to put his arm on my back but I threw it off. After a few minutes of everyone sobbing the nurse came in and said they had to leave so I could get discharged.
When I got home I was home alone after my parents dropped me off. The car ride was practically silent. I walked over to the phone and dialed the Kamiya's home phone number. Tai's mom answered. "Mrs. Kamiya, who am I speaking to?" "Mrs. Kamiya this is Davis, may I speak to Tai?" The phone then went silent. After a few moments of silent she finally spoke through what sounded like sobs, "Davis, Tai has passed away." I froze up. "Davis? Davis are you there?" Click. She hung up the phone. I did the same. I can't believe Tai died, protecting me.
I wasn't sure what to do or how to feel. The person I looked up to most was dead. I went to go check my laptop and saw an email from Izzy addressing a funeral for Tai. I decided I wouldn't go. Then I decided to check my other messages and saw an email from Tai earlier that week that I never opened.
"Dear Davis,
I know you are probably not going to open this for awhile. You never were too thrilled with emailing. I just wanted to let you know that you are the closest thing I've ever had to a little brother. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you. If you ever need anything just let me know.
Yours truly,
Tai"
I looked at the screen and smiled. Tai would want me to be strong. I then wrote back to Izzy: "I will see you at the funeral. -Davis"