Left Out

-Winter 1992-

Ben was the only one that day who missed school. He was sick that day. The boy hadn’t learned what happened until later that evening. None of his friends were hurt. Max was withdrawn from everyone for a short time. Nobody could figure out way.

Well, Ben was the one who got the answer.

Max came by to visit. The little boy rang the doorbell. He didn’t look up when the door opened.

“Oh, Max!” Ben’s mom said. “It’s so good to see you. How have you been?” The child looked at his feet.

“Hello,” he mumbled. “H-H-How’s Ben?” The boy’s mother looked into the house.

“I think that he’s awake long,” she whispered. “You can see him quickly. I will come back to get you.”

“Thank you,” Max mumbled. He followed the woman inside.

Ben was awake in his bed. He had a cool cloth on his forehead. He looked when he heard someone knocking on his door.

“Ben,” his mother said. “Look who’s here to see you!” Max stepped out from behind her.

“H-H-Hello,” he said. Ben pushed himself up.

“Max!” he said. “I’m so glad you’re here.” His mother knelt down to Max’s ear.

“Don’t get to close to him, okay?” she whispered. The boy looked down at his hands and feet. He seemed to be mumbling something under his breath. The mother patted him on the back.

“I will be downstairs if you need me,” she said. Ben’s mom turned and walked away. The boys were left alone in the room.

“H-H-How have you been?” Max asked.

“I’m still sick,” Ben said. “How are you?” His friend didn’t answer at first. He looked down at his hands.

“Fine,” the boy mumbled. His friend stared at him. Something inside of him wanted to ask what was wrong.

“Max?” he asked. The other boy didn’t respond. He seemed to be fidgeting with his hands.

“Max?” Ben asked. The other little boy mumbled something under his breath.

“What did you say?” his friend asked. Max lifted his head.

“I did it,” he said in a quiet voice. Ben froze.

“What did you say?” he asked. Max broke down trembling. He fell to his knees.

“Max?!” Ben cried. “Mom! Mom!”

Adult Ben floated in the background of the room. His eyes were glazed over as the scene played out in front of him.

“I don’t remember this at all.”

“I do.”

Ben turned around. Max seemed to be floating behind him. He looked so pale. Ben had a confused look on his face.

“Max?” he asked. “Max, what happened to you?” The other man didn’t answer. He just vanished into thin air.

“Max, wait!” Ben shouted. He ran after his friend through an empty wall. The room went quiet only for the memory to repeat itself again.