Chapter 9

Sportacus' hand trembled as he turned the knob that led to Joshua's room. He stopped before pushing the door in. Something told him he wasn't going to like what he saw inside.

Cursing under his breath, the above average hero opened the door. It was incredibly dark in there. Feeling along the wall for a light switch, his hand brushed something else.

Strangely, Sportacus ignored the voice in his head to pull his hand away and continued to feel for a switch. Finding it, he flicked it on. Quite a sight, met his eyes.

Dust and cobwebs covered everything. Pictures on the dresser showed what looked like a happy family. The bed hadn't been disturbed and there was still an imprint of a head on the pillow. Moving around the room, Sportacus began to realize that whatever had happened had destroyed the family.

Then he saw something sticking out of the dresser drawer. Carefully, the above average hero pulled the door open and found the drawer full of newspaper clippings. Some were dated from 2020, others were dated 2022, and the rest were dated 2025. Something seemed odd about that and quickly Sportacus rushed out to the kitchen where they kept the calendar.

He was surprised to learn that it was in fact the year 2030. Slowly, he walked back into Joshua's room and began to read the newspaper articles.

One article was titled "LOCAL HERO INJURED DURING TORNADO RESCUE" dated April 11, 2022. Another dated April 11, 2025 said, "HERO"S SON TO TAKE OVER FAMILY BUSINESS". The articles were three years apart. Apparently, Joshua had changed his mind about becoming a hero. It was the next article that made him stop dead in his tracks.

"HERO'S SON AND GIRLFRIEND KILLED IN RESCUE ATTEMPT—TOWN MOURNS THE LOSS OF TWO GREAT CITIZENS". It was dated June 15, 2026.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

9:30 pm

Stephanie was about to go after her son but Samantha beat her to it. The girl raced out the door and tried to keep up with Joshua. Robbie took Pixel aside and Amanda moved over to her best friend.

Samantha found Joshua sitting in the hallway down next to the room that his father would be in. His knees were brought up to his chest and his head buried into them.

I have seen peace. I have seen pain, Resting on the shoulders of your name. Do you see the truth through all their lies? Do you see the world through troubled eyes? And if you want to talk about it anymore, Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend.

Amanda let Stephanie put her head on her shoulder. They would get through this.

I have seen birth. I have seen death. Lived to see a lover's final breath. Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright? Is the fire of hesitation burning bright? And if you want to talk about it once again, On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder. You're a friend.

She sat down next to him and put her arm around his shoulder. Carefully, Samantha pulled him close and whispered into his ear.

You and I have been through many things. I'll hold on to your heart. I wouldn't cry for anything,
But don't go tearing your life apart.

Stephanie moved and put her arms around Amanda. She wanted to cry but the tears wouldn't come. Strength was more important. If not for herself, she had to be strong for Joshua.

I have seen fear. I have seen faith. Seen the look of anger on your face. And if you want to talk about what will be, Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend.

Joshua looked up at her. Samantha was trying to understand what was happening and he wanted so badly someone to understand. The two held onto each other. All they needed was each other.

And if you want to talk about it anymore, Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder, once again, cry on my shoulder, I'm a friend.

To Be Continued…

The song is James Blunt's "Cry".