Unexpected(CURRENTLY BEING REWRITTEN)

chapter thirty-one

Tom let out a yawn, softly squirming in Tord's arms. The Norski let out an annoyed grumble, but loosened his grasp.

"Thank you," Tom murmured. He stood, avoiding Paul and Patryk's body. Walking away from couch, Tom stretched. He was stiff from sleeping on the couch for so long.

Looking at the clock, he let out a long sigh. There was no way he was going to fall asleep again.

He wandered towards the front door, reaching to put on his shoes. He was still slightly asleep, so he figured a walk would do some good.

Tom glanced at his phone, wondering if he should take it. Subconsciously, he waved his hand as he put on his coat.

"Be back soon," he whispered, sliding out the door. Cool air hit his face, the wind blowing softly. Closing it behind him, he took a few steps forward.

It was dark out, a few streetlights the only thing allowing him to see. The moon was small, a single sliver in the night sky. Tom stuffed his hands into his coat pockets, shoes clicking against concrete as he walked down the driveway.

He took a deep breath, keeping an even pace as he strode. It was serene. One of the few noises being made was crickets, their chirping bringing him peace.

One of the other noises he could hear was the leaves rustling, reassuring him. He watched a single leaf fall from one of the trees, and for a single moment, everything was washed away. David, Mike, Edd, Tord... they were gone for a single moment. All his worries, all his feelings.

Because, even with that single leaf gone, the tree kept living.

Even if he was gone, the world would keep going.

It would spin. In the long run, no one would care he was gone.

Just like that leaf.

He closed his eyes, stopping, a long sigh escaping his lips.

Peace was a fragile thing. It could be broken so, so easily.

Tom snapped to attention when a new noise could be heard.

It started slow. But the more he stood still, the faster it got.

Footsteps.

He tossed his head around the moment he realized; but it was too late.

The only thing he saw was a fist coming his way.

Then black.