Instantly
I could feel the blade pierce the skin of my neck, I could feel how cold and sharp it was as it pushed its way in and broke all of my veins. I could feel my breath catch in my throat.
This is it, Chris Chambers, this is it.
The floor came up fast - I could feel the tiles beneath the palms of my shaking hands. There's the ceiling - I see faces, but the darkness is coming for me and so they are blurred beyond recognition.
They don't know you, Chris Chambers, they don't know you - what can they do?
I hear screaming - women and men, a child is crying - but I can't get up because the feeling is escaping me. Everything is draining so slowly - why can't it happen any faster? I'm trying so hard to let go but I'm not ready yet. Memories are coming - mom, dad, my siblings, but where are they now? Not here, and even if they were what would they do?
Let go, Chris Chambers, let go.
It's getting darker and darker and the voice in my head is growing louder and louder with every word it pronounces. I know that voice - Gordie, Gordie, is that you? Oh Gordie, why are you here now? I haven't seen you in years, Gordie, I don't even remember the last time we talked - and now you're here, in my mind, with me in my final moments. Are you alone, Gordie, or are Teddy and Vern there too? Where are you hiding - in the dark recesses of my memories, back when we were young and still friends? I remember those times, guys, all the time - I'll never forget you as long as you don't forget me.
We were supposed to be heroes...
fin.