For these prompts, I asked my followers on Tumblr to pick a number between 1 and 210. MyEpicTurtle picked number 14. This is the beginning of a long series.
A black patent leather dress shoe steps out of the dark vehicle first, for the rest of his body does. The humid air immediately surrounds him, confronting him, making him wish he'd dress a little more comfortable than his current formal wear. He feels trapped underneath this tight, secured three piece suit. He secretly longs for the companionship of his car, for the cooling breeze of the AC, and the comfort of his worn jeans and loose t-shirt. But – it can't be helped.
The horizon up ahead is coloured into different shades of grey, one greyer and darker than the other, setting the mood just right, just perfect. He walks around the car as he puts his sunglasses on and steps onto the sidewalk, crosses the pavement until his feet make contact with mother nature for the very first time in such a long while. It's been ages since he's been here, and it vaguely looks the same as when it did all those years ago. The same atmosphere still lurks around, though. That, of all things, has not changed. He feels heavy immediately, being completely swept off of his feet by it.
It's why he is hesitant at first – he can still back out of this. There is still time. It's not too late. No one will ever notice. He chews onto his lip and proceeds anyways, leaving his inner battle behind at the safety of the concrete. His hands dig deep into the front pockets of his black khaki's as he takes a casual stroll, but do not let this deceive you - his eyes are sharp, focussed and attentive.
Soon, the clouds protest against his absence here. They roar might above him before it starts to pool down heavily. After walking around in the rain for fifteen minutes, he finds that what he's looking for. He abruptly comes to a halt and simply stares before letting out a deep breathe. It catches him off guard for it makes him realize he'd been holding his breath all this time.
So, it's true, after all.
A lump starts to form in his throat, he desperately tries to swallow it away, to get rid of it, but fails in doing so. It's still there, and it's time he faces his inner demons. He comes closer, feet reluctantly carrying him to his destination. He frowns behind coloured glasses as his shoes dig deep into the wet soil, mud covering his brand new shoes. But, he doesn't even seem to notice this. He's too preoccupied with that what lies ahead of him.
"I'm so sorry", he whispers softly, his voice rasp, and near the edge of betraying him as well.
"You showed up, after all"
This triggers him. It sends him over the edge and he falls down onto his knees, a broken young boy, and starts to sob, "I'm so sorry, I could've… I should've... so much more… "
"There's nothing you could've done that would've helped her"
"That's not true,", he bitterly says, shaking his head wildly, "I could've spend more money on more tests, to find a cure".
"You would've given her more time. A few days, a few months at most. It would've prolonged her suffering as well."
He places a strong hand on Seth's shoulder, and gives it a squeeze, "It was too late anyways. There was nothing you could've done for her".
"I….", he seems at a loss for words and allows the tears to stream down his face, finally allowing the inner demons to take a hold of him and his being, "I'm so sorry".
"I know, son, I know"