How it When to This?

escape

Chapter 9

Months passed.

Then more months.

Day by day, Rhone slowly adapted to his new environment.

With every passing day, he learned something new.

But he also became quieter.

The more he understood life...

The more he realized how terrifying it could truly be.

---

...It's been several months since that happened.

I want to leave all of this behind.

I want something new.

Without warning...

Rhone slowly knelt down.

He closed his eyes.

Took a deep breath.

Then prayed.

"...Father..."

"I know I'm not worthy."

"I don't know what's happening to my life."

"Please..."

"Lend me Your strength."

"All these women..."

"All these people..."

"I don't want to be with them anymore."

"It hurts."

"I'm sorry."

"Help me change."

"Help me overcome this lust that's consuming me."

"Help me overcome this bloodlust flowing inside me."

"Please, Father..."

"Amen."

Rhone took one last deep breath.

Then stood back up.

From that day on...

He stopped trying to escape reality.

Instead...

He accepted that this wasn't just another problem.

It was a reality he had to face.

---

"Rhone."

His grandma called out.

"Your teacher texted me."

"Yeah?"

"What about it?"

"She said you failed two major subjects."

"You'll have to take summer classes."

"They'll be face-to-face."

"I think it'll be good for you."

Rhone smiled to himself.

...Finally.

An excuse.

To leave everything behind.

"Yes, Mami."

"I'd love to."

---

A few days later...

His phone buzzed.

Dozens of unread messages.

He opened the group chat.

---

James: Looks like face-to-face classes are finally coming back.

Keizer: I can finally touch some grass.

LOL.

Bea: As if you'll actually go outside.

HAHAHA.

Keizer: f**k y'all.

Looks like some of you are gonna get busy and stop being online 24/7.

HAHAHAHA.

The conversation continued.

After reading for a while...

Rhone privately messaged Keizer.

Rhone: Yo, man.

I think I'm gonna be busy from now on.

I have to take summer classes, then regular classes start right after.

I probably won't be online as much anymore.

But I'll still keep in touch.

Keizer: Damn.

I thought you were a genius, kid.

Guess not.

Haha.

Don't worry.

You're not the first person who's told me that.

Just remember...

Be careful of your surroundings.

Chat me whenever you need help.

Rhone: Yeah, man.

I know.

Thanks for everything.

Take care.

Keizer: HAHAHA.

Aight, kid.

You too.

---

Standing in front of the mirror...

Rhone stared at his own reflection.

"...It's time to change."

Little by little...

He changed his personality.

His hairstyle.

Even his hair color.

He attended his summer classes.

Made new friends.

And before long...

He became surprisingly popular at school because of his friendly personality and natural charisma.

It was there...

That he met someone who would eventually become his best friend.

His name...

Was Borg.

Rhone didn't know it yet...

But this boy would become his brother through experience...

Through life...

And the bridge to everything.

A tragic love.

A terrifying journey.

And memories...

Rhone would never forget.

End.