You have to be strong.
His veins pumped with adrenaline as he ran- he couldn't risk stopping. Not now.
Don't be afraid.
Skid to the next stop- don't stop running, keep going-
You gotta be brave, okay?
Don't stop breathing, in, out, in, out-
Keep running.
Run.
You're going to be okay.
The floor came up too fast and he tumbled, down the side onto the bank of the river, and he couldn't get the shouting out of his head-
Everything was a blur. The lights, the grass- reflection of the moon on the water, illuminated with a slight red tinge. They we counting on him. He had to get up, they were counting in him-
He willed his legs to work g od- and stood, the world just wouldn't stop spinning, but it's fine, he just has to keep moving.
The only sound he could hear was his haggard breathing as he his legs buckled, collapsing underneath the bridge, gasping for air- green hoodie heavy with something inside its pockets.
His hands grasped at the metal item and held on to it with all he had, leaning his whole body against the brick as clenched his eyes shut. The cold metal sent painful chills up his arm, reminding him yes he's still here, he's awake.
Eventually the harsh breaths resided, and all that was left was silence- but the searing staunch screaming left tears in its wake, and he was breaking down all over again-
You gotta be brave...
He-
Don't be afraid...
Can't-
Your family needs you.
Think-
You can do this.
He can't- (He can.)
(And he will.)