The Flows of the River

A hazy yellow tint lay over the land.

Masayuki opened his eyes. He found himself in a familiar lot. The boy was floating in front of the abandoned apartment. Only, it looked more unruly than before. Vines covered the worn-out building. It looked like it was about to sink into the ground. Masayuki looked around.

Why am I here?

What do you see?

Masayuki looked around. The wind sounded too soft for his ears to pick up. He couldn’t see anything else.

There’s nobody here.

Look up. Can you see anything?

The boy lifted his head. He had to squint when he noticed something flashing from one of the windows.

I see a light.

Good. Now up and grab it. I will help you up now.

Masayuki started flying upward. He reached his hand above his head as he got closer to the small ball of light. At this point, the boy didn’t know where they were going with this plan. The faint barking in the distance told him there was no time to think about it. He closed his eyes and reached further. The warmth touched his fingers. Masayuki winced.

Don’t turn back! You have to push through it.

The boy grabbed on and light went through his body. Masayuki felt like he was being plunged into icy dark water. He let out a silent gasp. His eyes and mouth opened wide.

Don’t fight it. Just take this!

He seized and the whirlwind of voices and images began.

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Summer 1992

“Ben? Ben?”

A child version of Ben lifted his head. His mother looked down at him, frowning. She always had this disappointed look on her face. Whether it was on purpose or not, it didn’t matter. Ben lowered his head.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled. His mother shook her head. Ben could already predict what she was going to say next.

“Please pay attention,” she said. His mother turned the page in his workbook. His father was on another business trip. He couldn’t wait to see him again. However, this time was going to be different.

Mother and son looked up when they heard the front door opening.

“Dad’s home,” his mother said. Ben jumped up and ran to the front door.

“Dad!” he shouted with his arms wide open. His mother looked up to see the look on her husband’s face. He stared at her without saying a word while their son wrapped his arms around his legs. She pressed her lips together as she walked over to her family. Did she know in that moment the beginning of the end was coming? Ben couldn’t see it. If he had, maybe… Just maybe…

No, he didn’t know that.

Young Ben stopped and turned around. A soft ticking noise filled the air.

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Masayuki let out a large gasp. It felt like his body was treading water.

Are you alright? Can you hear me?

Yeah. What was that?

Follow the clock. A hand rested on his back. The boy just let it guide him. Up ahead, there was little Ben standing with his back turned.