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The first sensation I became aware of was the ache in my skull.
Then, I started to feel my body.
This is not good.
I opened my eyes slowly, the muffled light shining through the trees stung at my retinas, sending a jolt of pain through my optic nerves.
Where the hell am I?
I lying was on a patch of grass in the forest— if I had to assume, I’m in Rosswood right now.
I sat up, my bones creaking with pain as I did so. I slowly looked around, as any fast movement done with my head made me even more dizzy and nauseous than what I already was.
I didn’t recognize the area, and there was nobody around. But I can’t be sure of that, especially not right now.
A piercing ring shocked my ears, making me grab my ears and tumble into the fetal position. The dewey morning grass rubbed against my cheek, reminding me of where I was at. I’m alone in the forest, I have no idea where I’m at, and I hurt so bad that I won’t be able to defend myself.
My heart rate began to pick up; a never ending anxiety swelling in my chest as it began to quickly rise and fall. The humidity in the air clung to my skin, drowning me in my body and the gravity of the situation.
As the ringing faded, I looked up frantically, my senses sharp and quick. It was like a monster was crawling up from my stomach and into my throat, trying to suffocate me with its presence yet try and keep me awake with the pain of its claws.
My legs ached and shook, but the ever-so growing fear in my body fueled me to stand up to try and find some indicator as to where I was at.
I stumbled around, tears clouding my vision as I desperately struggled through the hell that was Rosswood Park.
I walked for god knows how long until the adrenaline died down and I collapsed in the grass, unable to move any further. I can’t find anything. Goddamn it.
It wasn’t until after my panic attack subsided that I thought of him— if anyone can find me, he can. Albeit it won’t be done safely, but it’ll be done regardless.
I looked down, my hands were coated with blood. I bit on my tongue, trying not to think of the implications too much as I needed to focus on just getting out.
I fished in my pockets for my phone, praying that I’d be able to get some sort of signal to call Jay with. I need to hear his voice— sure, he’s a little stupid, but he is the only one I can call now.
It was as if God finally decided to give me a break, because I had a singular bar of service.
I quickly tapped on the screen, opening the phone app and clicking on Jay’s contact.
I eagerly brought the phone up to my ear, chewing on the inside of my cheek in anticipation as the dial tone rang out.
Click.
”Hello, Tim? Are you okay?” My breath hitched, my voice was caught in my throat as tears filled my eyes once again, “Tim, where are you?” I hadn’t realized it, but I was thirsty. I had to clear my throat so my voice didn’t crackle; regardless, my voice sounded gravely and hoarse.
”I- I don’t know, Jay.” I looked down at the blood on my hand— a reminder of how lost I truly was in this god-forsaken forest. Jesus Christ.
“Okay, uh, don’t worry I will come find you. Are you in Rosswood?” I tried to wipe the viscous slightly dried blood off onto my pants; it left a crimson stain on my dark blue denim jeans.
”I think so.” I finally croaked out. My mind raced, attempting to recollect the last thing I was doing. I must have been thinking for a while, because Jay suddenly chimed back in on the other end of the phone.
”Tim? Are you still there?” I blinked hard, clearing my throat.
”Uh- Yeah, I’m still here.” I cringed at the way my voice cracked on the last syllable.
”Okay, good. I’m going to hang up so-“
“No!” Silence, “Shit, uh- just stay here, please. Talk about anything besides this fucking situation.” Jay breathed deeply for a moment.
”Uh… yeah, I can do that.” The conversation went dead, despite my previous plea for it not too. My instincts suddenly kicked back in, and I scanned my surroundings, fearing that I would see It lurking— watching for my next moment of vulnerability. God fucking damn it say something, Jay.
“Jay, for the love of God, please keep talking.” I begged, sounding as pathetic as ever.
”Yeah- yeah, sorry man,” he paused, tittering for a moment before continuing, “When we’re safe, we can pick up some food and just… chill in the hotel and watch some shitty reruns. Okay? I-“ Jay cleared his throat, “We’re in this together.” His voice was so goddamn soothing, and the rising anxiety from before was quickly extinguished. It sounds so fucking domestic. I wish that’s all we were able to do. Christ- no, Tim, not now.
I took in a shaky breath, the lack of nicotine in it chattering my nerves. I shook the urge away, focusing on reciprocating the sweet words Jay comforted me with.
“Together. We’re in this together.” I smiled, lingering on the implication of it, rolling the thought around in my mind before Jay spoke again.
”Exactly,” The beeping of a car door opening chimed out from Jay’s end, “Okay, I’m here. Do you see any paths at all?” I stood up, looking around again with a clearer mind. As I looked around, I came to the realization that my anxiety was gone— the knowledge that Jay was here, was enough for me to not worry about It or the hooded man or even Alex.
With these thoughts circling my head as I scanned my surroundings, I saw a clearing, and the red tower. Holy shit. How did I not notice it before?
”Holy shit- I see the red tower,” A smile crept up onto my face as I let out a relieved chuckle, “Meet me at the red tower.” I heard Jay’s labored breathing paired with the sound of gravel quickly scrunching underneath his sneakers.
”Okay, yeah.” I started to also run towards the clearing, and to the red tower. My legs ached, screaming to rest, but I ignored it at the prospect of being safe with Jay.
When I arrived to the tower, I slumped up against the side of the rusted corrugated metal and breathed heavy. I closed my eyes, listening to the sounds of Jay also struggling over the phone.
“I’m here.” I said after I somewhat regained control over my breathing.
“Okay… I’m almost there.” Jay managed to say, “I’ll hang up, if that’s okay? Just so there’s no feedback.” I nodded.
“Yeah, yeah. That’s okay.” Jay hung up, leaving me alone once again. It was nerve wrecking, but I knew it would be okay because he was almost here.
A minute or so passed before I heard crunching leaves and heavy breathing, my eyes snapped open to see Jay running over to me. His face dropped as he saw the blood.
“Jesus- Tim-“ He crouched next to me as I held up my hands, showing him the crusted blood.
”I’m sorry, I don’t know where it came from-“
“No, no, don’t apologize,” he grabbed my bloodied hands with his shaky ones, “I’m here now, that’s all that matters.” Jay suddenly pulled me into a hug, the smell of the cheap motel shampoo lingered in his hair. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, wrapping my arms around him.
”Thank you.” I mumbled.
”Of course, we’re in this together.” His voice was so sincere it made me smile.
”Together.”