13. Wounds and Warriors

Chapter thirteen: Wounds and Warriors

Death, as they say, is a part of the circle of life. Whoever is born will some day die, unless, of course, you're some sort of alien who snuck into earth or a creature of the night like a vampire. But alas, life isn't a Hollywood fantasy movie with mythical beings and eternal youth. In the real world, death is a reality that we must face, just as I did when my father passed away. Despite clinging to hope for his recovery, the harsh truth eventually settled in—he was gone.

The world had moved on and nobody was waiting for my family to grief this great loss. Life pushed on, dragging us along with it, like debris caught in a swift current. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I knew I had to return to school. It was nearing the end of freshman year, and there were academic responsibilities waiting for me.

I was by my locker when David, my ex rushed towards and offered to carry my backpack.

I felt a bit of irritation. "My dad may have died, but my han