Shadowseal: The Price Of Sin

CHAPTER 8

Mike collapsed.

The metal tray clattered to the ground, echoing through the cafeteria as murmurs turned into sudden silence. His eyes were shut, face pale as paper. His breathing had slowed, and beads of cold sweat gathered on his forehead. Around him, students froze, unsure of what to do.

Then panic.

"Somebody help!"

"Teacher! Please, we need help here!"

A teacher rushed in, dropping to his knees beside Mike. He checked his pulse, called his name, tried to provoke a response but it was like Mike had sunk into a deep, unreachable void.

Zack was the first to break free from the shock. He pushed through the crowd, stumbling toward his friend. His hands trembled as he gripped Mike's shoulder.

"Mikey… bro… please... wake up."

Someone had already called an ambulance. As sirens approached from the distance, faces gathered around, forming a tight circle anxious, confused, helpless.

By the time the medics arrived and carefully lifted Mike onto the stretcher, he was still unconscious. His eyelids didn't move. Not a single word escaped his lips.

But inside…

A storm was raging.

He was falling. Drifting through darkness. A fall that felt endless. A laugh echoed like wind in a tunnel twisted, triumphant.

"Every time you fall…"

"…I rise one step closer."

"HAHHAHAHAHA!"

A flare of heat tore through his mind. A pair of eyes. That familiar darkness. The demon's voice louder now, both inside and out.

When Mike opened his eyes, blinding white light hit his face. He squinted at the ceiling. The room was unfamiliar. White walls. Sterile air. Soft sheets.

A hospital.

He wasn't alone.

His mother sat beside the bed, eyes glassy with tears. His father stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression caught somewhere between worry and pride.

Zack was right at the edge of the bed. The moment Mike stirred, he leaned in, his voice trembling.

"Mikey! Thank God… you're awake. You scared the hell out of us, man."

Mike slowly turned his head. Even breathing felt heavy.

"What... happened?"

Zack inhaled deeply before speaking, as if weighing every word.

"Bro… you were gone for a year. Everyone thought you were dead. Then out of nowhere, you came back. But instead of resting, you told us you were fine… and came to school. Why? Why didn't you take a break? Why didn't you go straight to a hospital? Why push yourself like this?"

Mike's gaze drifted toward the window. So many things he could've said… but not the strength to say them.

Only one sentence found its way to his lips:

"It's not... over yet."

The room was filled with sterile white light. The only sound came from the steady rhythm of the heart monitor. Tick... tick... tick...

Mike stared at the ceiling, unblinking. The brightness neither stung his eyes nor kept him awake. His eyelids felt heavy, but his thoughts were far from rest.

Zack sat beside him on a pulled-up chair, hands resting on his knees, watching Mike silently for a while. After a long breath, he finally tilted his head and asked gently:

"Is it... over, man?"

Mike slowly turned his head. His voice was hoarse, tired but held a fragile honesty.

"Zack... every time I close my eyes, it happens all over again. Every sound, every second, every fear… they replay in my head. No matter what I do… it doesn't stop. I don't have the strength to explain. Not yet. I'm just... not ready to talk. Please… don't push me."

Zack nodded slowly. His eyes were filled with worry, but his voice was calm and understanding.

"Okay, man… okay. I won't push. Not until you're ready. You know I'm here. Anytime."

They both fell into silence again. Only the beeping of the monitor and the distant wail of an ambulance siren broke the stillness. The day felt endless. But time was still moving.

Two days later...

The courtyard of Newford Central High was lined with tall sycamore trees casting long shadows over the walkway. Lunch break was approaching, and the halls were filled with students, their laughter and footsteps echoing off the walls.

Mike walked quietly among them. Wearing a dark jacket, eyes fixed on the ground, his steps uncertain.

He wasn't fully healed. But he had to come back. Not to seem normal maybe just to remember what normal ever meant.

At the entrance of the cafeteria, he paused for a moment, then stepped inside. He moved through the crowd without bumping into anyone, trying not to draw attention. He found an empty table and sat down quietly. He hadn't touched the food on his tray.

Then a voice broke through.

"Hey, Mike…"

His head lifted slowly. Standing in front of him was one of his classmates. Long chestnut hair draped over her shoulder, and her eyes held a gentle warmth. Her name was Emily Carter the girl Mike had always watched from afar, never brave enough to speak his feelings.

Emily sat across from him with a soft smile. Concern lingered in her eyes, but so did kindness.

"How are you feeling? You seem... off. Are you really okay?"

Mike nodded faintly. His eyes still carried the weight of exhaustion, but for the first time, a small hint of a smile touched his lips.

"No... I mean yes. I'm struggling. But... I'm okay. Thanks."

Emily lowered her gaze, her voice gentle.

"I was at the hospital the other day. I sat beside you. I still don't know what happened... but you're not alone. If you ever need anything just ask."