Chapter 1
The sheets rustled next to him. Michael looked at Justin laying down beside him.
He remembered the night before and peered down at his arm. He winced as he got out of bed to replace the bandage.
As he walked to the bathroom he glanced at the clock up on the wall. Four A.M.
Michael grabbed a bandage and some burn cream. He rubbed the cream on his leg and took off the bandage on his arm.
"Tsk.. Damn, that hurts," he grimaced. A crimson mark laced the length of his forearm.
"Well, I guess that's what you get when you save a stranger from a burning building, huh?" Michael looked back at the doorframe. A blonde boy stood there looking like he had been awake for hours.
"Yeah.. What did you say your name was?"
"Armin. I take it you're Michael?"
"Yeah, that's me. Are you doing alright?"
The boy coughed violently. "M-Mostly. Do you have cough medicine?"
Michael reached into the cupboard. There was a bottle that was a quarter full. He tossed it to Armin.
"So.. Why'd you jump in there last night?"
Michael paused. He thought back to four years ago. "I guess because I've seen what happens to people when someone gets scorched to death. It's.. unpleasant."
"I see," muttered Armin as he downed the cough syrup. "Thanks so much for it, by the way. I really appreciate it. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't moved that plank."
Michael walked past the blue eyed boy and clamped a hand on his shoulder. "It's no problem. I think what we both need now is some rest. Good night, man." He said as he limped back to the room and flopped down on the lower bunk. He put an arm over Justin and closed his eyes.
Armin stood in the bathroom doorframe. 'So this is where I've ended up, huh, Grandpa? I thought I would see you soon, but I guess I'm staying down here a little longer.'
And with that, he grabbed his crutches and went back to sleep on the top bunk of the bed.