40 GONE

ARIEL’S POV

I walked behind Mason as we both got close to the gigantic fire. Well, he got close. I was a little bit far from him, slowing down my pace. Yeah I knew he was a psychopath, but I had not idea he was this crazy.

Getting really close to a fire huge like that? No one in his right senses would do that? But this scumbag right here was actually surprising me.

And I kept on watching him inch closer to the roaring inferno. I couldn’t help but question his sanity. I would keep on doing that over and over.

I mean, who willingly gets up close and personal with a fire that could roast a Christmas turkey in 3 seconds flat? It was like he had a secret death wish or something. And if he did, I would be really glad. At least it would reduce the number of scumbags in the earth.

Meanwhile, I continued to do my best to maintain a safe distance, like the responsible, self- preserving human being that I am.

“What are you even doing?” I aksed, still walking slowly.

“You ask too many questions,” he replied, not glancing at me.

“This is crazy, you know. Like, are going to walk in that fire?”

Mason turned to give me a quick look. “Maybe.”

“This is absolutely insane. But it won’t be surprising, cause you’re insane yourself.”

“You can shut up, and just follow me, okay.”

“You’re like six inches away from that fire. And you want me to keep on following you. Okay, what are you planning to do now, huh. Perform a miracle?”

me, but gave the fire his attention back. He squatted,

what happened next? Oh boy, when that fire started crackling and growling like an angry beast, I swear I let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like being in the

inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at a raging

he had a secret pact with the flames, or maybe he was just

knows? All I can say is that while I was two steps away from dialing the fire

this moment, I couldn’t decide whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But everyone has their quirks, right? Some people collect

it’s a walk

maniac, and Mason casually enjoying his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole night staring at some idiot who was staring

LUKE’S POV

problem? What terrible news have you come to give me?” I

driver. His name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And

downwards, and his hesitation to give me a reply, had a million thoughts rolling in my head at the moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course, the man was old, but I still loved him, and didn’t want to lose him

him.

raced with a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather had left the earth? What if his sickness had finally prevailed over him? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and

his gentle smile, his wise words, and the

mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through

had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there anything left unsaid? Regret washed over me like a tidal wave, intensifying my worry and fueling

All these were just thoughts. Maybe that

yelled at Peter, tears popping up

Sir Reynold. He’s…

did you just say?” I yelled again, not wanting to believe the

sorry sir, but

This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No this couldn’t be. I loved that man. I

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255