Copeland’s POV

My mom, dad, and I all drove to the hospital in complete silence. The radio seemed to fizzle in and out of reality, just like my own thoughts.

It was pitch dark outside. Streetlights shed little luminance on the road. My dad drove like a maniac all the way to the hospital. The cars seemed to part the way for us.

Dim headlights carried on like a funeral march. I wiped away tears, trying to think only the best for my friend.

He can’t be dead. He can’t be dead. He can’t be dead.

I need him. I need him so freaking much.

I need him to be with me when we talk to Cece. I need him to be with me when we get our friendship all fixed up. I need his funny advice and monopoly games and everything else. I need him like a heart needs a beat.

When we pulled into the parking lot, it felt like my thoughts had gone numb. There was nothing left for me but to keep moving forward. I was a shark in the water, only moving forward to live.

I am the sad shark. Grrr….

The hospital was sterile and bright. The lights burned into our eyes, blinding us temporarily. Classical music in the background did little to lighten the mood. My dad sat with me on the hospital couch as my mom went to check with the nurse at the desk. She was going to see if we can see Zack.

“He’s going to be okay.” My dad reassured me, but I sniffled, nodding in response. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe it. I just can’t.

When my mom returned, she sat on my opposite side. Her face was sorrowful.

“They said only family can see him. They wouldn’t tell me anymore.” She whispered. I shook my head, hot tears burning my face.

“But we’re family to him! He has dinner with us every Wednesday! We’re his family!” I sobbed into her shoulder. My dad rubbed my back as my mom squeezed my hand.

“The best we can do is send good thoughts his way.” She kissed my head and attempted to soothe me. I blew my nose into a tissue and stared at the ground.

All we could do now was to wait.

An hour later, I heard the elevator ding behind us. Maybe it was just another family visiting someone in the hospital. I didn’t raise my head. My phone was heavy in my pocket. I bit my lip hard enough to taste metallic blood on my tongue.

“Copeland?” A voice asked from behind me. I stood up and looked over my shoulder. Oli and Hannah stood, tears streaming down their face. I walked around, taking my hands out of my sweatshirt pockets.

“Oh no.” I whispered. Hannah burst out in tears. I followed suit. There wasn’t words for what had happened, who was here and who wasn’t. Oli pulled both of us into a hug. I saw my dad wrap his arms around Mom.

“No, please, he’s not….” I choked out. Hannah patted my shoulder and Oli cried softly.

“I’m sorry, but he’s gone.” Hannah whispered softly. I sobbed harder.

“No! I never got to see him!” I wailed. Oli pulled me into his chest. I cried into his leather jacket. I felt his tears splash onto my shoulder.

“I lost my son, my only son.” He howled. I let him hold his wife as my dad pulled me into his chest. I wrapped my arms around him because he was my anchor as my world slipped from under my feet.

Zack was dead.

Zack was gone.

What happened to this life?

Why is it all wrong?

Notes