Chapter 2: The Hospital
236 Words
Ethan awoke in a hospital bed, his head pounding with pain. The room was dimly lit, and he could hear the faint beeping of machines nearby. Confusion washed over him as he struggled to piece together what had happened.
Beside him, Max sat in a chair, looking exhausted but relieved. When he saw Ethan stirring, Max rushed to his side, a mixture of guilt and concern etched on his face.
"Ethan, I'm so sorry," Max said, his voice trembling. "I didn't mean for things to escalate like that."
Ethan tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through his head. "It's not your fault, Max. I should've known better than to fight back."
Max shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "No, Ethan, you don't understand. My parents found out about the fight, and they're sending me away to another school."
Ethan's heart sank at the news. Max had been his only friend, his one source of support in a world that seemed determined to tear him down.
As Max prepared to leave, he handed Ethan a small flash drive. "This is for you," Max said, his voice choked with emotion. "Consider it a parting gift, something to remember me by."
Ethan took the flash drive, his fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you, Max. I'll never forget you."
With a final embrace, Max said goodbye and left the hospital room, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.
- Writer
