Timmy was there. Finally, after so long, Timmy was there, walking through the mist to meet him at the station. Sebastian’s heart leapt. He didn’t think he’d ever see Timmy again, but there he was! Right where he always met him after school. Almost fifteen minutes late, as always.

“Hey, Bastian!” And that voice. Oh god, it’s been so long since he heard that voice.

Maybe this time he’d tell him how much he cared for him. “Damnit, Timmy, where the hell have you been? It’s nearly 3:50! You got outta school twenty minutes ago! Ma’s gonna be pissed again, and it’s my ass on the line, not your scrawny butt! Now c’mon, let’s get moving!”

Oh god, now he’s about to cry. Why’s he so upset? I talk to him like this all the time, but he’s never gotten like this before. Why? Why do I always fuck up this way? Oh jeez, Timmy, don’t.... C’mon, Timmy, I didn’t mean it, really.

But Sebastian didn’t say it. He never did. And before he could start walking home, he heard the sound, and he knew. In slow motion, he turned around, and right there in front of him was light, the terrible light! He tried and tried to shout to Timmy, to tell him to look out, but try as he might, he couldn’t. All he could do was watch.

Watch while Timmy looked straight at him with those sad, angry, regretful, hurt midnight blue eyes that spoke more clearly than words ever could. Watch as they said, “You. It’s because of you.”

Sebastian gulped air in, trying to shut up. Had to quit crying. Swallowing, swallowing that cool night air, to maybe cool that painful fire inside his chest. Gripping, clutching the sheets, to maybe still the convulsing of his body.

Why?