Ghost's Burden

Three months later, Claiborne, once a fading county, had undergone a remarkable transformation , thanks to the arrival of Novagen, a groundbreaking company that breathed new life into the community. The completion of Novagen's facilities two weeks ago marked a turning point for the region, drawing attention from far and wide. The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by esteemed individuals of honor who gathered to witness the revival of Claiborne. Their presence underscored the significance of Novagen's impact, not just as a business venture but as a beacon of hope for a county that had been on the brink of decline.

Novagen's arrival has sparked a wave of optimism, bringing jobs, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose to Claiborne. The company's cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approach have positioned it as a catalyst for economic and social rejuvenation. Streets that were once quiet now buzz with activity, and the local economy is showing signs of vitality. Residents, who had long endured hardship, are beginning to see a brighter future on the horizon.

Now in those three months Dylan had managed his life, fell down a couple of times, Doctor said his lungs were failing at a faster rate and they couldn't even fathom the reason behind it. The symptoms sounded specifically dangerous. One time after getting back from work, Aunt Marla found him under the bathtub in the bathroom. She screamed louder than the New year's fireworks, rushed him down to the hospital on a chariots wheel.

The doctor appreciated her for bringing him on time."Thank God you brought him down here in no time, he'd been under for thirty minutes. It's a miracle he's still alive." He proclaimed specifically as he looked into Aunt Marla's inquisitive eyes mixed with horror and thanksgiving as she watched the doctor walk down the hallway.

Talking about Aunt Marla, this last month had been blissful for her if she could delete Dylan from her life. Back in the days she would say spiteful words at the emergence of NovaGen and criticize their every policy. She had been arrested a couple of times by the police for 'God knows why' as she would put it. Maybe openly voicing out hateful thoughts concerning NovaGen.

Luckily, the mayor of Claiborne seemed to be captivated by Aunt Marla's confidence and activism, one could guess she reminded her of her old self. Although now things had changed as politicians have to get their hands dirty or keep the truth locked up in order to 'protect' the citizens or their reputation, one couldn't really guess. She released Aunt Marla and later on after some official discussions which led to more official discussions, the mayor thought it safe to employ her.

She got a new office allowances for breathing and stuffs like that. Meanwhile, Dylan's health status declined every day , his seizing and starting playing out like children on the seesaw.

In all this mess, Dylan had managed to get through his past class and has been promoted to sophomore year alongside Marcus and his other classmates. Every one apart from Dylan was spectacularly excited about this. Especially Marcus, the talkative kid wouldn't let the poor boy calculate his 'breathing equations' in peace.

Dylan couldn't just relate, how was moving from one class to another so exciting to his friend Marcus.

"Don't you get Dyl it's show's that we're moving forward in our lives and growing you know like the growing community in your trouser tadpole down there.... Yep that wasn't there before too." Marcus exclaimed while placing down his heavy hands on Dylan's weak body who looked at him but was to powerless to sneer.

Marcus his friend was a full time clown, at least the only that would make him smile. Not even the sexy ass of Nicki Minaj that he saw on social media could him make him smile as he was smiling now. Lil bro had just connected moving from one grade to another to growing into puberty, but he was too tired to argue because it wasn't going to leave him speechless but breathless. Marcus as all male friends was exhausting.

Dylan who was facing all this 'persecution' as he normally calls knew about all this shit. In fact he had heard it so much he had began to breathe it. "Bronchospasm", "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease". Whatever name the doctor could call it, he just felt that he and the sickness are one like they were bonding. Although in his case sometimes he felt like the parasite in his own body. C'mon he doesn't tell anyone that yet, part of the reason he can't tell anyone that the reason he can't feel no good about 'moving forward' academically is because it just means he was getting closer to the grave.

Of course he heard the doctor so many times there was no cure, just a way too manage it, but he didn't want to leave the rest of his life like this. He told himself the truth even if there was a way to cure this sickness he would be able to afford it. "Ha, thinking about it just makes me more sad." He mumbled to himself.

He thought about Aunt Marla, he had always felt like a burden to her before but now he seemed like he is the holding her back from her dreams.

He didn't like the taste of that in his mouth but it was true. She had gotten tgis perfect job that pays her for what she's willing to do advocate for the people but he's just slowing her down.

Dylan felt like cursing his parents for putting his burden on another person as he climbed down from Marcus' Jeep like some high mountain, almost left him winded.

He bidded Marcus good bye while shaking his inhaler with a dead serious face he was determined to stop all this, he had made up his mind that ghost could haunt organisations.