Chasing time

Attack On Chris

Sam sat at the back of the music room, watching Chris as he led the band through another practice session. His voice carried the weight of passion and determination, but his shoulders sagged ever so slightly. Even when he laughed or cracked a joke, there was a tension in his eyes that Sam couldn’t ignore.

Over the past few weeks, she’d been putting together every bit of Chris’s life. She had learned a lot just by listening, observing, and occasionally asking questions. The more she learned, the more she realized that Chris wasn’t just battling external pressures; he was fighting an internal war.

One afternoon, after practice, Sam stayed behind while the rest of the band packed up. Chris was sitting on the edge of the stage, tapping his guitar absentmindedly.

“Hey,” she said, walking up to him.

Chris looked up and smiled. “Hey, Sam. What’s up?”

She hesitated, then sat down beside him. “I’ve been meaning to ask… how’s everything going? Like, outside of school and the band?”

Chris shrugged, his fingers still picking the strings. “It’s fine, I guess.”

“Just fine?” Sam pressed gently.

He paused, his hand still on the guitar. For a moment, he seemed to compare whether he should be honest with her or dismiss her. Finally, he sighed.

“My dad doesn’t really get it,” he admitted. He thinks the band is a waste of time. He’s always pushing me to focus on stuff like sports or academics, things he thinks actually matter.”

Sam frowned. “That sounds… hard. What about your mom? Does she support you?”

Chris gave a short, bitter laugh. She tried, but it was like she was stuck in the middle. She doesn’t want to upset him, so she doesn’t really say much.”

Sam’s heart ached for him. She had no idea his family had been such a big contribution to his struggles. “That’s not fair,” she said softly. “You’re really talented, Chris." They should be proud of you.”

He looked at her, his expression softening. “Thanks, Sam. That means a lot.”

---

Later that evening, as Sam lay in bed, she thought about their conversation. Chris needed someone in his corner, someone to remind him that his dreams were worth fighting for. But she also realized that his band needed to be a source of strength for him, not just another source of stress.

The next day, Sam decided to take action. She approached Kyle and Mia during lunch. But Marcus wasn't with them at the cafeteria. Sam asked about him and they both replied that they had no idea.

Meanwhile, Marcus was busy playing basketball with some of his friends. He does this when he's trying to avoid Chris and the others.

“Hey,” she said, sitting down at their table. “I was thinking… what if we planned something fun for the band this weekend? Like a day to just hang-out and relax?”

Kyle raised an eyebrow. “Fun? You mean like a party?”

“Not exactly,” Sam said. More like a team-building thing. You know, something to help everyone relax and bond.”

Mia nodded thoughtfully. “That might actually be a good idea.” " We’ve been so focused on practice lately that we haven’t really had time to just… be friends.”

Kyle grinned. “I’m in, as long as there’s pizza.” I would let Marcus know about the hang-out this weekend then.

Sam laughed. “Deal.”

---

The following weekend, Sam organized a picnic at the park. She brought blankets, snacks, and a small speaker for music. The band members showed up, looking a little unsure at first, but it didn’t take long for them to relax.

Chris seemed especially at ease, laughing and joking with Kyle and Mia. While Marcus kept to himself at the park, playing a shooting game, in which he ended up winning a teddy doll. They all played Frisbee, shared stories, and even ended up singing a few songs together under the shade of a tree.

Sam watched from a distance, her heart swelling with hope. This was Chris. She wanted to protect the boy who could light up a room with his energy and kindness.

As the sun began to set, Chris approached her, a soft smile on his face. “Thanks for putting this together, Sam." I didn’t realize how much I needed it.

She smiled back. “You deserve it, Chris. You’re doing an amazing job.”

---

For a while, things seemed to be going well. Chris appeared more relaxed during practice, and the band’s dynamic improved. Sam felt like she was finally making progress.

But then, everything took a dark turn.

---

One evening, as Sam walked home from school, she felt a strange sensation, an irritation at the back of her neck, like someone was watching her. She glanced over her shoulder but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

She shook her head, telling herself she was just being paranoid. But the feeling didn’t go away.

As she turned onto a quieter street, she heard footsteps behind her. They were slow and deliberate, matching her pace. Her heart began to race, and she quickened her steps.

The footsteps quickened too.

Sam’s breath hitched as she broke into a run, her heart beating fast in her chest. She didn’t know who was following her, but her instincts screamed danger.

She turned a corner, hoping to lose them, but a figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking her path.

It was a man, tall and dressed in dark clothing. His face was covered, but there was something chilling about the way he stood calm, almost predatory.

“Who… who are you?” Sam demanded, her voice shaking.

The man didn’t answer. Instead, he took a step toward her, and she stumbled back, her mind uneasy.

Memories of her car accident flooded her mind. She had always suspected that the crash hadn’t been an accident, but she never had proof. Now, faced with this mysterious figure, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was connected.

She turned to run, but he grabbed her arm, his grip like iron.

“Stay out of this,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “You don’t belong here.”

Sam struggled, her heart pounding with fear. She didn’t know what he meant, but she knew she had to get away.

Summoning all her strength, she twisted free and ran as fast as she could. She didn’t stop until she reached the safety of her house, slamming the door behind her and locking it.

Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. The encounter had left her in shock, but it also filled her with determination.

Someone didn’t want her meddling with the past. But she couldn’t let that stop her.

She had come back to save Chris, and she wasn’t going to give up no matter what.