Chapter Text
3 DAYS LEFT
The house was empty, in more ways than one. No one was home, no one that mattered anyways. The only thing breathing in this barren "home" was a young boy lying still in his bed. The bed he had stayed in for four years; swallowed whole by his grief and regret. He wasn't anybody anymore, a husk of who he once was. Husk is too generous for him. He's nothing but a waste of space. All he does is sleep, and when he isn't asleep, he stares. This is all he's done for four years. Repressing, Regretting, Restraining.
Today marked another day of sleep, the only way this pitiful boy ever lived. He opened his eyes. His phone was making noise. It irritated him. He stood, wobbling on his own feet as if standing was an unfamiliar feeling. He pressed a button and listened to the voicemail. The only person who even sends them was his mother. His friends gave up long ago when they realized that he would never answer.
"Hi Sunny! It's Mommy! How are you doing? Are you eating well?"
He's eaten nothing but raw steak.
"I was hoping that I could make it back to see you today.. But it's the last day of a big furniture sale! And you know I just can't resist a good bargain!"
It wouldn't make a difference if she were here or not. He doesn't acknowledge her.
"You can take care of yourself for a few days, right? After all, you're a big boy now!"
If only he could take care of himself, he can hardly get out of bed.
"Remember to finish your chores before I get back. I left a list on the table next to your door. Okay, that's it for now! Mommy loves you! Bye, honey!"
The voicemail ends.
Sunny stares at the phone. He didn't feel like doing chores today, he didn't feel like anything. He was prepared to lie back down, and take a long nap. Perhaps one he won't wake up from. That's at least what he hoped would happen, what really did happen was unexpected.
BANG
BANG
BANG
What?
BANG
BANG
BANG
What is that?!
BANG
BANG
BANG
Someone's at the door?
BANG
BANG
BANG
This is annoying.
BANG
BANG
BANG
Oh my god, shut them up please.
BANG
BANG
BANG
Sunny reluctantly walks to the door of his room. He stares at it... Great. The day just started and he already has to make "conversation". As much conversation this pitiful boy could ever make. He hesitantly walks down the stairs and to the front door. He stares at it. Whoever this is.. They're VERY persistent. It's infuriating but if staring at some salesman for a minute will allow Sunny to walk up the stairs and go to back sleep... It's worth it.
Sunny decided to listen in to who was at the door. So he'd know if he needed to shut the door or slam it. The voice behind the door was the voice of a boy. Someone familiar...
"Helllooooo... Helllloooooooooooo? Sunny? Are you there?"
He'd rather not be.
"Do you remember me? It's your old friend, Kel!"
What? Oh yeah.. Kel.. Sunny began to imagine Kel, they were the same height, well Kel always insisted he was taller. Kel has brown hair it was kind of long.. or was it just messy? Was his hair even brown? Was it blond? He normally wore orange or was it yellow? Whatever he looked like, Sunny remembered fondly.. But not very well...
"So, I... uh... I noticed the 'FOR SALE' sign in front of your house... and I... err... heard from my mom that you were moving away soon."
Sunny was in fact moving away, the house was all packed up. There wasn't really any power either. How the phone still worked was beyond him. This house was barren. There was simply nothing left. Sunny would move on to another home and take up space over there. It didn't matter, because in the end he'll finally return to where he should've ended up a long time ago.
"I was wondering... if you wanted to hang out one more time before you go... or whatever... for old time's sake, y'know?"
Hang out again? It wouldn't hurt, but what would be the point if Sunny was moving in three days. It would be pointless. But it wouldn't hurt to try. What could change over the course of three days?
Sunny opened the door looking straight ahead, he expected to see his friends face smiling warmly at him. Instead he was met with an orange jersey. Sunny tilted his head up and squinted, he hadn't seen sunlight in so long that he had forgotten how much it could burn his eyes. The face he was met with was familiar and shocked to see Sunny standing before him.
Kel had certainly gotten taller. His hair was a thick brown and as long as Sunny remembered. It wasn't as messy as he thought though, it was more wavy, it was barely shoulder length... Kel had actually gained some muscle over those 4 years, he wasn't buff or anything but Sunny could tell he was getting his exercise in. Staring into his dark eyes, Sunny saw the reflection of himself. He was so skinny and scrawny compared to Kel, and so pale, Kel had gotten quite the tan.
Kel stood there shocked, his arm still raised to bang on the door again. He froze up at the sight of Sunny, taking a few seconds to think about how he'd react to this before blurring out,
"Woah... You actually came out!"
Sunny blinked
"Err... Sorry.. I mean..."
Sunny blinked
Kel blinked
"I'm gonna be honest with you Sunny. I really didn't expect you to come out today. I don't really have a game plan here."
"..."
"..."
Kel thought for a moment before something clicked in his head, he snapped his fingers and smiled warmly. Sunny missed that smile.
"Hey..! I know! Let's go to Hobbeez! The shop down by the plaza! You remember the way right?"
"..."
"Well.. What are you waiting for? Let's go!"
"... Okay.." Sunny muttered quietly
"You can lead the way if you want!"
Sunny shook his head.
"Oh alright..! I understand!"
Kel stepped back and allowed Sunny to step outside. It was hot. Too hot for his liking. Sunny was tempted to slink away back indoors and lie back down in his nice cool bed. Since Kel was standing before him and he didn't want to upset his friend, he reluctantly walked behind Kel. Walking through Faraway felt so surreal, the sun was beating down, the sound of people playing and talking, the cars passing by, the nature... It was just a little different from what Sunny remembered. He walked slowly behind Kel who was less of walking and more striding down to the plaza. He had a bounce in his step, and seeing Kel.. The real Kel.. Standing tall and leading Sunny along felt so... Strange. Four years of isolation really does something to a person. Especially one like Sunny.
Kel eventually stopped once they reached the plaza and looked around before looking down at the sickly boy behind him. He was panting, sweat rolling down from his face to his neck, his cheeks flushed, his eyes glued shut. Kel's eyes softened and there was a flicker of surprise in them before he began to speak.
"Sunny... We can sit down if you want to. You look exhausted."
Sunny exhales heavily and looked up at Kel. He didn't understand how he could walk for so long and not feel tired. Sure Kel had some sweat on his brow, but he was practically fine. Meanwhile Sunny's face was red. He was sweating so much that he felt like his face would melt right off. He wasn't used to the heat of anything besides his bed. The hugs from his mother were always colder than they used to be...
Sunny shakes his head. He cant stop now, he has to commit. Though he hasn't committed to anything in his life for four years, he would still like to try. Sunny points to Hobbeez, they're just around the corner, why stop here. Kel wouldn't want this worthless pile of garbage holding him back. Keep going. You're right there. Go.
"Ah... Okay, to Hobbeez!"
Kel flashes Sunny a smile before walking down to Hobbeez with Sunny trailing behind him. While walking for such a short amount of time, Sunny takes in some details. The fountain pouring water looked.. Slightly smaller... The little carvings in the sidewalk have been paved over and look brand new. The lilies that were planted in the garden boxes were replaced with... Daffodils... Maybe they were a sign.. Or maybe they're taunting. How the world has moved on while he hasn't.
When entering, the cool air conditioning hits Sunny and it calms his nerves. Finally somewhere mildly comfortable, or as comfortable as standing could be. It smells, different.. Not bad, just different, very nostalgic... Looking around, it sets in how long Sunny hasn't been here. Lots of the same things but some different things that catch Sunny's eye. Once the two are inside, Kel puts his hands on his hips and laughs.
"Well, here we are at Hobbeez! It's been a while since you've last been here but it's all the same stuff..!"
"..."
"You know, Captain Spaceboy comics, The Sweetheart movies, and even some Pet Rocks! All the same but now they're vintage!"
"Hm..."
Kel smiles at Sunny before looking around the store and inhaling deeply. His smile turns sheepish and he shifts into a less confident pose before muttering..
"So uh.. The reason we actually came here... Was because I wanted to grab something for Hero. He gets back from college tomorrow and I wanted to surprise him!"
Sunny looks up at Kel.. Trying to remember Hero. He's the same age as Mari and they were always pretty close. He was tall too, he was always told that he was very handsome. Sunny couldn't deny the fact that Hero was good looking, he was so neat and always kept his composure. Sunny always looked up to him. Who could blame him, Hero was practically the perfect role model. Sunny could clearly remember Hero's honey brown hair, Mari always described it as 'ravishing'.. Sunny could hardly remember their proper faces. All he could think about were the smiling giggling faces of his friends back in Headspace.
Sunny looked around the store with Kel.. Sunny was staring at some matching Captain Spaceboy keychains. Although he was confused on who this new character was on the other matching keychain... Has he really missed that much new material?
Kel on the other hand was looking at the cards on the table. Sometimes stealing a glance from Sunny. It's been so long since he last saw Sunny standing before him that he almost looked like a stranger. Sure Sunny was one of his closest friends, they were literally neighbors. But when Sunny locked himself away, it was almost like he was... He was... Let's not think about that.
Kel was spending quite a while looking at Sunny. He was staring for so long in fact that Sunny felt his gaze and met it with a different stare. He looked afraid..? The pitiable boy stood there, staring into Kel's eyes. How ironic. He feels so comfortable staring at other people, yet when they turn to look at him, in seconds he's afraid. How pathetic. How weak. What a mistake.
"Huh..? Oh sorry for staring Sunny..! I was just.. Looking at the.. The books! Hero would love some of these!"
Sunny simply stared as a response. Looking towards the books. Hero liked to read, him and Mari were the people who really got him into reading. Sunny held onto the keychains and walked towards the books. Scanning through them. Kel peered over his shoulder, Sunny could feel his gaze, he could feel his body heat. It wasn't too bad, but it just felt so surreal to really have another person around him. He wasn't good enough to be around people again, yet Kel was standing behind him. He was, interacting with him. He didn't seem mad at all. He seemed... Happy? This is too much too fast. Sunny felt his head spin and his heart race. This really was too much. Sunny wasn't paying attention to what book he was holding.
"What're you holding?"
Sunny robotically handed over the book, still staring at the wood grain on the bookshelf. Kel took one look at this book, and he lit up like a warm lightbulb in a cold empty room.
"This... This is perfect! Papa Chip's Chip-Off-the-Old-Block Cookbook! Damn... What a mouthful.."
Sunny blinked and looked up with mild shock. Kel's sudden joy made Sunny back up, bumping into Kel. Kel puts his hands on Sunny's shoulders, 'catching' him before he 'fell'. Sunny could feel how warm Kel started to get when he fell on him.. Kel looks down at Sunny and gives him a bright smile, Sunny missed that smile...
"Woah! Sorry Sunny it's just.. Hero had a copy when we were kids! That is.. Until Hector ripped it up..."
"..."
"W-What I'm saying is, Hero would love this!"
Kel laughed, before suddenly stopping. Sunny looks up at him confused.
"Before that. We need to ask the real questions..."
"..?"
"How much does it cost?"
He's right! How much is that book. Last time Sunny checked, books and stuff costed around... What? 8... maybe 10 clams-
"20 dollars?!"
Yikes..
"So... Sunny?"
Oh god
"Don't wanna ask you for too much.. But..? Do you have money on you?"
Sunny rummages though his pockets, his mom left him 50 dollars for food money for the rest of the week. Sunny never used this money, he spent all his food time on sleeping, staring, and sitting. Sunny took out the money and Kel was a little shocked at the amount of money Sunny just.. Had on him..
"50 dollars?! Well that's looks like enough to me! Let's buy it!"
Sunny nods, walking over to the counter. While walking over, he notices a small bin of Pet Rocks. Silently, he takes one. Kel begins to talk to the shopkeeper, Sunny isn't interested in their conversation. He quietly pays for the items and the shopkeep moved like clockwork. Looking at the items for just a second, taking the money and giving Sunny his change before turning back to Kel and listening to him. Nodding with intrigue and blinking very slowly, as if blinking would cause him to miss Kel's words.
Sunny takes the receipt and stares at it. It's oddly warm. Why is it warm? Whatever, Sunny takes the items he secretly bought and puts them into his pockets. Sunny then takes the cookbook, change, and receipt and holds them under his arm. Sunny then motions for him and Kel to go by tugging on his shirt. Kel blinks before laughing sheepishly..
"Ah! Yeah.. Let's head back!"
+-------------------------------------+ | | | HOBBEEZ | | | | 143 Faraway Plaza | | Faraway Town, XX 60009 | | (888) 000-0000 | | _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ | | | | Papa Chip Cookbook 20.00 F | | SpaceBoy Partner Keychains 5.99 F | | Vintage Pet Rock (Used) 2.50 F | | Kel Tax. 0.01 F | | | | Subtotal 28.50 | | | | TOTAL 28.50 | | Cash 50.00 | | Change Due 21.50 | | | | Item Count: 3 | | | | _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ | | | | !THANK YOU COME AGAIN! | +-------------------------------------+
Sunny and Kel walk out of Hobbeez, the sun hits Sunny's face and he quickly squints and scrunches up his face. He moves the cookbook to shade himself. Kel sees this and laughs. The two stand around outside of Hobbeez for a second. Sunny takes a moment to get a better look at Kel, in this light he looks more like the friend he once knew. The friend he once loved before abandoning everyone. Cowardly running away from the issue and locking himself away. Pitiful. That's honestly how he felt standing next to Kel, he was so much shorter, paler, skinnier, and lesser in every way. Sunny only felt like running away. Today, he wanted to be with Kel. Maybe Aubrey and Hero. Hang out with his friends before running away from them all over again.
Standing outside of Hobbeez, the two boys awkwardly stand there. Kel sways back and forth, twiddling his thumbs and stealing glances from Sunny. It didn't feel right to sit there and stand around next to Sunny after never seeing him for years. It felt less like a reunion and more like seeing someone who ran away come back on some random day. But Kel had to keep and open mind. He had to stay optimistic. He smiled sheepishly and muttered awkwardly.
"Uh.. Where should we go now?"
"..."
"..."
Kel thinks for a bit before snapping his fingers and putting his hands on his hips.
"Let's go to the Park! We passed it on the way here so it's not much walking.. Wanna go?"
"Mhm.."
Sunny nods and Kel beams. Man, has Sunny missed that smile. Kel seemed pretty excited for Sunny to go to the park.. Although he agreed reluctantly since being around so many other people would send Sunny into a trance. At least Kel will be there, it's hardly been half an hour.. Kel isn't so bad...
"Let's go to the Park! Just like when we were kids right? This'll be great..!"
"..."
"C'mon! Let's go!"
Kel takes Sunny's hand and starts to walk, but realizing how quickly Kel took his hand.. Kel let go and apologized as quickly as possible...
"Oh, I'm so sorry Sunny!"
Sunny didn't really mind that. He actually kind of liked it when Kel held his hand like that. Although mustering up the courage to say that he liked it was just too much far too soon. Sunny didn't deserve it anyways. He just nodded and walked behind Kel, but making an effort to seem a lot stronger. Even if his legs were tired, his lungs threatened to cave in, his stomach was so empty that the dull pain from it begging for nutrients was just, normal to Sunny. After all.. He deserved it. What else does he have to live for? Why should he keep his stomach full when he shouldn't even be here in the first place.
[End of Chapter 1 Part 1]