"Doctor, how is it?"
"It is not as bad as I thought. With some luck Mr. Dare will be able to walk normally in about half a year."
"Half a year?!"
Sam broke down, slamming his body on a nearby bench. The doctor's diagnosis was devastating. Sam knew that Jakob didn't have many savings. Half a year without work? Perhaps even longer? Jakob might not survive that. He would end up in the slums, perhaps never to return.
Dizziness overcame Sam. How could his only friend suffer such a fate? Wasn't it also because of him? Jakob tried to save him and now he was the one paying the price. Wouldn't it be better if… he, Sam, would have just died? He always brings misfortune to those around him! First Julia and now Jakob. Why wasn't it him? If Sam could trade his life for theirs, he would do so any second!
"Sir? Sir? Nurse, bring some water!"
A few chaotic shouts rang through the hospital's hallway. A moment later Sam felt some water on his lips. He drank it unconsciously and his head cleared up somewhat. The nurse asked if he was alright. Sam nodded woodenly and stood up, dragging his body through the door right next to him.
Sam entered an old room. There was a single window at the other side of the room. Although the window was closed, the curtain moved lightly. The wooden floor creaked. Groans could be heard from time to time. There were four beds, all occupied by a patient. Sam looked around and saw Jakob lying on the first bed to his left. It wasn't anything fancy but at least Jakob was taken care of.
As Sam walked over, Jakob noticed something and raised his head. Sam felt a pang in his heart seeing the strained smile. The two friends talked for a while and Sam offered Jakob to live with him for a few months. Jakob neither agreed nor rejected the offer for now. Afterwards Sam could tell that Jakob was getting tired and tacitly left the room.
It was already getting late as Sam made his way home. Earlier, after getting help for Jakob, he had already informed their boss about what had happened. Mister Shelby showed great compassion and told Sam to take the rest of the day off, but he refused. He did his work before visiting Sam at the hospital.
The happenings of the day ran through Sam's head as he made his way home. Doubts once again rose in his mind. Did he really carry so much misfortune? Was everyone in his surroundings always in danger? What did he do to deserve this? What sins had he committed?
Just as Sam was deep in his thoughts, he heard a conspicuous thud. He instinctively felt a great danger. A chill ran down his spine. It is said that when humans are in life threatening situations they show strength they didn't even know they had. Sam reacted with nearly superhuman reflexes. He threw his body forward. Almost simultaneously a loud bang could be heard from behind him.
Sam's head shot around and saw a shattered flowerpot on the floor. He glanced upwards and indeed; there was a flowerpot missing on a balcony. Sam was shivering all over and cold sweat ran down his back.
"Ah! What happened?"
"Sir, are you alright?"
A few pedestrians let out startled shouts. Someone checked on Sam and helped him up. Sam was still in shock, his eyes shivering. He thanked the man and aimlessly continued walking. A few concerned shouts followed him, but Sam ignored them all.
A few minutes later Sam stopped unconsciously. Without knowing it he had arrived in front of his favourite pub.
"That's exactly what I need today…"
Sam mumbled to himself and entered. As he sat down at the counter, the barkeeper recognized him. The two men talked for a while. Sam poured his heart out, drinking one beer after another. He only stopped himself when he noticed his vision blurring.
"E… enough. I have work tomorrow."
Sam's voice slurred. He said the barkeeper goodbye and left. It was already dark outside. A fresh breeze blowed through the streets, clearing Sam's mind somewhat. He decided to return the long way along the river Ves flowing through the city. It was quite the detour, heading in the direction of the city centre. A few minutes passed until Sam could hear the tranquil sound of flowing water. He turned one last corner finally reached the broad river.
Sam stopped next to the river, looking down and allowing his memories to drift. Right in front of him was a slope of green grass. People, young and old, loved to gather below the tall trees on hot summer days. It was also here that Sam first met Julia. He could never forget her smile that day.
Suddenly Sam felt a sting on his leg. Pulled out of his memories Sam frowned. He wanted to look which audacious animal dared to sting him right now but as he lowered his head, he suddenly felt extremely tired, his eyes barely staying open. Still, he managed to catch a glance at his foot. But what he saw was no mere mosquito. No, a small dart was stuck in his legs!
An immense shock rocked Sam's body, temporarily fighting against the tiredness. The day once again went through his mind. The carriage, the flowerpot. Instantly he understood the terrifying truth.
"Someone is trying to kill me!"
Sam wanted to shout but he could barely open his mouth. He took a step and his legs gave in. Sam fell forward, rolling down the slope towards the river below. For a moment Sam even thought that this might be the best outcome for him but then a bolt of lightning shot through his mind. Two faces smiled at him. Right. Julia certainly wouldn't want to see him die like this! And Jakob, he still needed his help!
Somehow Sam managed to muster his last bit of strength. He closed his hand and grabbed onto a root. His descend stopped for a moment. But it still wasn't enough. Sam could feel the strength in his hand slowly waning. His limbs grew tired, cold. His vision darkened. A tear rolled down his cheeks. And finally… he let go. His body slid down the slope and landed in the water.
***
Olivier was lazily leaning against the counter when an intense feeling suddenly assaulted his chest. Anxiousness overcame him and he uneasily looked around the room. A hiss sounded in his ear. He turned towards the black cat and watched as she jumped from the counter, running through the door behind them.
Without hesitation Olivier followed her. They ran up the stairs. The black cat approached the first door to the left. The previously locked door opened with just a tap of her paw. Olivier stepped past the threshold, entering a spacious study. On all four walls were empty bookshelves. Olivier was disappointed for a moment thinking that if the shelves would have been filled with books he would have finally found something to relief his boredom.
However, the anxiousness in his heart quickly washed away this thought. Olivier didn't study his surroundings as his eyes were involuntarily attracted by the desk at the back of the room. Or rather by the extremely thick book lying on top of it. The black cat jumped on top of the desk and Olivier also approached briskly. He opened the book at a random site and was stunned by what he saw.
On the left, there was a sketch of someone. A tall man with hair not longer than a millimetre. He wore a bushy beard. With one look at his eyes Olivier could tell that the man had been through a lot. There was even some information written next to the man.
Sam Hoff. 32 years old. Origin: Bell Town, Kerv. Growing up on the countryside… Parents… First steps…
Alright, some information was an understatement. Olivier realised that the longer he looked the more text appeared, replacing the previous lines. If he looked long enough, he would know Sam better than the man himself. However, Olivier didn't have time to read everything as he glanced at the second side. There was no text but rather a moving picture. It showed the same man. For some reason he struggled to stay on his feet and suddenly rolled down a slope. Below a river was waiting like the maw of a monster ready to swallow him up.
"No!"
A shock went through Olivier's body. He reached out with his hand, placing it on the moving picture as if he could grab the man through it. Suddenly a black shadow flashed. It was the black cat's claw, which scratched Olivier's hand. A drop of blood rolled down his skin and fell on the book.
Suddenly the book began to shake wildly. A mysterious force engulfed Olivier. Before he could comprehend what had happened a bloody red light flashed, and Olivier disappeared.
The black cat revealed a contemplative expression. She seemingly came to a decision. With a wave of her paw a strand of her fur fell on the book and disappeared as well.