The Last Hug
Lucas and Ethan were two best friends who were struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. They were craving for the feeling of being alive instead of surviving again through reckless adventures. They enjoyed being together even if most of the time they find solace in being alone. Together they strived for life; they were about to finish college; Ethan and Lucas sat on top of the rusty, abandoned windmill, the sunset over the horizon was almost hypnotic, with its colors fading from orange to purple.
They could feel themselves growing lighter, as though the wind were carrying their worries and fears away. Despite the bleakness of their surroundings, they felt at peace for the first time in ages. "I'm glad we met each other" Lucas ponders while fiddling with his fingers. Ethan let out an exasperated sigh as he leaned back, letting his legs dangle at the edge of the windmill. They pressed a couple of buttons beforehand, making the windmill turn and creak. it sets them in the mood as they played "Leaves" by Ben and Ben. "Do you think we'll be fine?" Ethan, asked. "we'll survive" Lucas replied in a sarcastic way. "do you still wanna die?" Ethan asked as Lucas lift his head up looking at him through his furrowed brows and striking stare, shaking his head. "i think I'm good" ...
A wave of silence echoed in a windy day as Ethan looked up, seeing flocks of birds pass by. "I think we'll do just fine.." They find themselves smiling at the heat of the sunset. this feeling couldn't last long. Suddenly, the windmill began to creak and moan, its rusted hinges giving way under their weight. Before they knew it, flames erupted from the base, quickly engulfing the entire structure in a fiery blaze. Panic? No...Relieved? Also No.
They both knew the severity of the situation, their eyes started to gloss and sparkle knowing that they're facing their last moments together in an abandoned windmill on fire. They weren't scared...they were...Accepting. Out of everyone of course they are. They've been wanting for this moment to come and now it's here. Chuckling, Ethan blurted out "it's ironic how we're dying the day we want to continue living". Lucas couldn't help but let out a light chuckle before smiling sadly. "I'll miss you, you idiot". Lucas didn't think twice, wrapping his arms around his best friend. Their tears roll down their cheeks, dropping warm tears on each other's shoulders. They were crying but only because of the unsatisfactory feeling of what they could've been..had..and become. It's a shame. " I'm so proud of you. You're an awesome friend...i know we're about to die and this is not the time...but, i still remember the days when we were still young and happy. The first time we met. Now, I'm glad that the last time would be the same...young and happy" Ethan pulled out and wipe his tears chuckling as Lucas did the same.
"i love you, man" Lucas said with sincerity. "you are enough... Everyone who met us would be so proud. I know you've left footprints on our friend's hearts. But i want you to know that you're an entire place in mine..not just hints of footprints" Lucas continued, being all emotional. "I'll see you in next time we do this again.." Ethan said as they sat down, ignoring the blazing fire behind them. "what now?" Lucas asked. "I'm gonna jump" Ethan replied smiling. Lucas knew exactly why. Ethan knew that he had no escape to death, but it gave him a sense of satisfaction that till the very end, he was always an escapist and that it's up to him to die in a way that he's still in control of.
"See you" He said as he stood up, he intentionally didn't say the goodbye. Lucas, stayed waiting for his fate to come, waving his friend as Ethan free fell peacefully while looking at the scenery of the sky smiling down at him. Lucas, did not look down. He was smiling at himself, leaving him with no regrets and for the last time, facing his problems bravely like how he always do. Though sad, he remains composed and unafraid, embracing his fate with dignity. The two friends left the unfair world that day...July 4th, while the dropped phone remains playing a song they both love. "Somewhere only we know"