"We fell in love in October. That's why, i love fall."

Our legs were hanging over the side of my bunk bed, our cozy wool socks on our cold feet. My computer was in between us, watching the "Nightmare before Christmas". One of the classics.

Alex was right beside me, a blissful look in his violet eyes.

While the 3 kids in the movie were singing about kidnapping Santa Claus,  the door to my room swung open.

Me and Alex looked up, surprised and startled to the sudden burst in.

"Alex,... Your mom... Needs you... Home now." It was James, Alex's older brother. He was heavily panting, as if he ran all the way here.

"Is she ok?" Alex says, the blissful look now replaced with worry.

James eyeballed me cautiously, as if saying whatever he was gonna say was bad..

"It's Jason." He said coldly.

Alex's face went to anger, yet still painted with worry. Who is Jason?

"Sorry John, I'll see you tomorrow maybe." Alex gave me a quick hug, and unraveled himself from the comfy position we were once in.

"I hope everything is ok." I say quietly.

"Me to. Bye."

As he left, my head was filled with questions. Is his mom ok? Is Jason doing something bad?

I wanted to follow along, maybe ask what's happening, but it's none of my business. If he wanted to tell me, he would.

I click off the movie, and tuck my laptop away. Stretching out a little, i bring my legs into my chest and lay there.

Its gonna be a long night.

"Looking at the stars, admiring from afar."

It was colder today than ever, a whooping 45°. My breath was prominent in the air, my lips shivering. A fuzzy sweater and scarf was warm, but still felt like i was freezing.

The early morning nature colors were orange and blue. Gentle glow of the sun peeking overhead, the sky a cool shade of blue.

There was a hot cup of coffee in my hands, i was practically living my aesthetic.

Memories of 3 days ago linger inside my head. Alex never called or text me, so i don't know what happened. I didn't want to bother him, but i was growing very worried. He left because of something to do with... Jason.

All i could do was hope everything was ok, but even that doesn't calm the growing concern welling up.

I sigh, cold white leaving my lips. I take a small sip of my coffee, and feel it's warmth go down my throat. I just hope he's ok..

*1 week later* (iM wriTiNG a lEttEr niGhTlY-)

"Im moving. Ma isn't well and there's a doctor in cali that has better treatment for her."

"Oh.. Sorry for your ma. Hope she gets well."

"Me to.."

"Bye John, im sorry i have to leave."

"No, don't be, your ma isn't well. I understand. I'll miss you though.."

"I know. I love you John, don't ever forget that."

"I won't. Love you to.."

❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇

It's been awhile. More like 3 years to be exact.

I was working on some drawing for my art class, using my favorite medium, watercolors. Putting some finishing touches on it, i hear a knock at my door.

Sliding my chair out, i fix my pony tail and make my way to the door.

I pull it open only to be met with him.

Tears all over his face, hair a mess and clothes stained like he hasn't changed in week.

He didn't say anything, but instead hugged me tightly. Gentle sobs erupted from him, as i hug back. I was very confused and shocked all at once,  but i went with it.

Having not seen my friend in years this was not the visit i imagined. We stood there in the doorway for some time, hugging while he cried and i whispered "its ok, im here."

Pulling away from my embrace, Alex seemd to have calmed down. He didn't tell me what was wrong, and i didn't ask. Then warm lips connected to mine out of nowhere, instantly pulling away just as fast as it happened.

Frozen in place, he smiled with eyes becoming glassy. The smile was beyond a happy one, it showed nothing but a cold empty sorrow.

"I missed you so much John, im sorry.."

"Sorry for what alex-" i began, and a sudden bang noise filled the air.

And then he was gone, just as fast as he came. I never even had enough time to figure out what or why he came back or kissed me, no emotion caught up inside my heart. To fast for me to even understand what happened.

You will be my boy, my boy, my boy~

"You will be my world." I choke out, tears cascading down like rain. Holding his now lifeless body in my arms.

///////////////////////////////////

The sun was shining in through the curtains, pouring out onto my closed eyes. I stirred awake, heart pounding and eyes wet. Utter confusion washed over me, while i sat up.

I rubbed my eyes, feeling tears on my cheeks. Was i crying in my sleep? That's strange, i never did that before..

Then a door opened, a man walking in with a tray. A nurse outfit on and a gentle smile while he sat the tray of food down.

"Ah, your awake. Did you sleep well?" He asked smile never leaving his face.

I just stare at him. Who is this man?! Where am i?-

"W-where- where am i?" I stutter out, voice so quiet and raspy.

"Why, you don't recall? They brought you in from the college. There was apparently a shooting im afraid."

My eyes widen with panic and my heart continues to beat a million miles per second.

"W-what h-happened?"

The nurse sighed, and took a nearby chair from the corner and sat down.

"There was a shooting, and you were found holding another boy with a bullet to his head, and a bullet to your shoulder. We managed to assist your wounds before it was to late, but for the other kid.." He trailed off and i put the pieces together without him explaining.

A sob escaped from my dry lips, tears welling up and falling down.

"You will be my boy."