Water Fountain

(Isamu's POV)

A feeling almost comparable to claustrophobia shrouded the atmosphere around as everyone's eyes were piercing my back. The air became thick and heavy. My heart, still racing; drumming out the chatter from the crowd. Narrowed vison, muffled sound, visible sweat forming on my forehead and palms. My eyes blankly staring onto the tile in front of my feet.

(Katsumi's POV)

Peering through the crowd that had gathered around a boy with bleach blond hair. The crowd started to disperse as the situation was handled with. The boy was standing still, seemingly not moving.

'He looks familiar.'

'Is he an acquaintance of mine?'

'A classmate?'

'I remember, the obnoxiously bright desk mate.'

'Izami?'

'Isumi?'

'Ah, that's right; Isamu.'

Not bothered enough, or wanting the social interaction I decided to head back to the grocery store where my father was..

(End of POV)

Isamu still frozen in time like a statue; clutching the end of his shirt. Katsumi continuing back to where there was seating for him to rest while waiting for his father. Isamu's breathing had become more irregular; his legs feeling weak from the oxygen that was decreasing in his blood. His eyes had begun to water, not from sadness but from the lack of moisture.

(Isamu's POV)

My sense of balance starting to move like a tide; it shifting back and forth. My strength becoming weaker and my vision becoming clouded.

'We've been through this before.'

'Breathe.'

'Nothing is going to hurt you.'

'1...'

'2...'

'3...'

'Repeat'

Repeating it over and over again until it didn't feeling like I was running to catch each breath of air. The strength in my legs started to return. I could feeling the dry texture of my tongue; feeling as if I've had sand paper rubbing against my throat.

'I should get some water before I get anymore dehydrated.'

Feeling as if I've had the energy drained out of my, and the sense that I wasn't very welcome in the shopping mall I headed towards the front entrance. I left through the two automatic sliding doors, walking through the plaza; up towards the main highway.

I looked up towards the sky, barely any of yesterdays the cloud coverage could be seen. The sun was in high rise, peaking above my head.

'It must be around mid-day, 1pm even.'

Spotting a park not far from where I was standing; I walked over there, wanting to find a place to sit down, coverage from the sun. As I entered the park I glanced around. An unfamiliar park. an abundance of large trees that looked centuries old stood tall. Vibrant, lush green leaves fleshed out the overhanging branches; small rays of sunlight cascading down the gaps between the leaves. Various foliage and vegetation grew on the well maintained grass.

'There should be a water fountain.'

'Right...'

Noticing a metal structure gleaming in the sun, I decided to check it out in hope I would find a water fountain.

After taking a refreshing drink I found a comfortable spot underneath the trees to rest.

(Katsumi's POV)

I checked the time on my phone again.

'13:39"

'What is taking my Dad so long?'

Feeling restless I went into the store in concern of what was holding my Dad up. I slipped my phone back into the pocket of my hoodie then tried searching for my Dad. I Went through each isle hoping that i would would spot my dad. My patience was decreasing. feeling that the day was being dragged on longer than necessary; I made a goal

1.Find Dad

2.Go Home

Feeling slightly more determined I went to the Deli, spotting my Dad speaking to a woman. The woman was wearing a red blouse with a dark navy skirt. She looked like she was in her early to mid fifties. I walked faster towards my Dad, hoping to drag him back home.

"Katsumi, over here." Says my Dad

I see the woman turning her head.

Dread

Pure dread runs over me.

My middle school teacher smiles.

"Well, look how tall you have grown since I last saw you." She enthusiastically exclaims.

I regret coming in here.