Final Words

Today was different. Instead of the regular music, a voice spoke over the speakers. We were welcomed to the last words we would ever hear.

“This store is armed with explosives. They will all detonate in 10 seconds. The doors are locked and secured with bars. Say your goodbyes.”

10…

I scrambled to my phone, if anyone deserved a proper goodbye, it was my mom.

“Why are you yelling, I’m just going outside? It’s not like I’m going to leave and never come back… I’ll be back in half an hour.”

Goodbye mom.

9…

My hands were shaking and I couldn’t hold the phone properly. It fell to the floor and the sound made me jump up. I looked around. Mothers held their kids, others were crying, some calling 911, and a few were banging at the doors, screaming for someone.

"I know we're friends and all, but you guys are so clingy. I don't talk to you for ONE day and you're all over me."

“I’m just worried for you...”

"It's annoying Allian. Don't do it again."

Goodbye Allian.

8... 

I couldn’t call her. If I did I wouldn’t be able to hang up. I switched to text mode and fell against the wall. A small tug shattered my thoughts. It was a lady. 

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. “Can you send a message?"

"Can I get help...I don't understand this at all."

"Then you should've paid attention in class."

"Please? Just for this one question?"

"Buzz off Ariel!"

I was such a jerk to everybody. I believed that if I were in the same situation they wouldn't go through trouble to help me. But now I'm sure they would. There were so many thoughts flooding through my head. But one echoed in a sickening way.

There are a lot of reasons to be sad… 

Goodbye Ariel.

7… 

“Okay...what do you want me to write?” How would I be able to send a message to my family, to everyone?

"I'm going to the supermarket, wanna come?"

"Uh no I have better things to do then go outside and get groceries with my dad."

"I'm just trying to spend some time with you...you don't understand how it feels to always be at work for so long and have everyone ignore you at home."

"No dad. I don't. Like I said earlier, I have better things to do so pick me up some chips or something."

I don't have to send a message. I don't have to write a long text saying goodbye. It's irrelevant. But the one thing I can do is tell it to them. A message they will figure out on their own. Listen to my thoughts. Listen to my apologies. Even though I won't be there to see you accept them.

...But just because there are reasons to be sad doesn’t mean… 

Goodbye Dad.

6… She looked at the floor. “Say...say that I love them. A lot.” 

Theres so much more goodbyes left...but I don't need to say them. I need to get out of here.

...It doesn’t mean you can’t be happy.

5…

Her voice began to crack up. “Say that there are a lot of things I still want to do but I...I cant.” 

There are only five seconds. But I’m sure it's enough. There are a lot of things I wont get to do, like skydive or eat macarons. But maybe, just maybe if I could find a way to get out of here.

Promise me that you...

4…

I sent the message and handed her the phone. “Goodbye.”

She smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. “It might not mean anything..but thank you.”

It was hard to keep me from crying as well. “A-anytime..”

Ten seconds pass by fast...but I’m sure these ten seconds were a little different.

I began to run to the fire exit. It led to the roof, but I mean, this was a mall so it should work. I pushed the handlebar. It didn't open. What else could I do?? There was only 4 seconds left.

...promise me that you can stay happy...

3…

Everyone else gave up. The people slamming at the door stopped. I closed my eyes and imagined what everyone else was doing. Life goes on, whether we like it or not. Even if mine will be over. Maybe there was nothing I could do. It was hopeless. There was no miracle. Just explosives and people.

...I may have ten seconds,

2…

The speaker turned on again, the static buzzing. It was our tormentor, leaving us with our last words. Maybe this happened for a reason. It's something we all do, we know death is a possibility but when we think of it..it just sounds unrealistic. I knew that anything could happen anytime but I didn't realize that it would apply to my life. Things like that sounded so out of reach. I wish I treated everyone in a way that would leave them less hurt. I wish I was able to say goodbye. To everyone.

"Goodbye." the voice over the speaker said, a hint of laughter hiding behind it.

...but you…

1…

This is the last second. The last one I will ever have, ever live. The last breath, the last blink.

...you have the whole world.