It took all I had not to cringe from whatever strange, squishy substance I was sitting on. I flash a plastic smile at the man sitting in front of me. He was wearing the red hoodie and loose jeans combo he always wore. His face was frozen with confusion. "Err, Dave?" The man looks up. "Oh, heh. Sorry, not enough sleep. Working with that new author I was telling you about. Interesting outline, but his editor is a little busy with Lilith's Grove. Don't worry, though, your series release is still set." I shove a fry in my mouth, immediately regretting it as a wave of grease releases, coating my mouth with a disgusting taste. "Sorry about the food choice. It's best to talk where nobody listens." I nod in agreement, taking a swig of water in hopes to drown the taste. "Good. So, how are your online numbers?" I chuckle, scratching the back of my neck. "Oh, you know, it isn't much different then last week. A few thousand views, no real controversy, you should be fine. There are even a few people hyping the release!" Dave finally smiles. "Don't deceive me like that. Tell me how you really feel." I sigh, my enthusiasm disappearing. "I think I might just be having doubts." Dave cocks his head. "What exactly are you doubting?" "I don't think I'm doing a very good job." Dave shakes his head. "Francis, there's something you need to understand. I receive a lot of bad, thoughtless drafts during my time, even when we were just Book Barn. I wouldn't have chosen your story if I didn't think it was worth our time. You're young, and I don't doubt your story has flaws. But it wouldn't be as popular as it is if it didn't have something that connected with people. So, relax. If we find problems with the adaptation to print, we'll be more than happy to let you know and walk you through fixing them. Understand?"

I didn't know what to say. Dave had always been the one person to see through my behaviors. After all, he and my dad had been lifelong friends. He was the only person I recall my father treating with respect. I cursed myself for trying to slip into character, and nodded once more. "Yeah, I do. Thank you." Dave held up a finger. "And, while we're here, I'd like to formally apologize for missing your birthday." I shook my hand. "No, no, it's fine, really." Over all my life, I'd never told anyone about my birthday. I figured it would be a waste of time, and definitely dangerous, should some people I'd befriended clash heads. That's the problem with a big friend group, I guess. Dave reached into the string bag he'd brought with him, and pulled out a book. "I know you have a lot to read, for that club of yours and all those people you've been talking to. But, I must ask you give this one your time. Very rare, the only copy being the one I hold in my hand." I grabbed the book from him, holding it tight. "Uh, thanks, Dave." "Yes, well, it wasn't really my choice…" he went quiet. "Your father was insistent it go to you when you turned 18." I froze. "My dad got me this?" Unbelievable. He'd always told me to get what I wanted with my own money. Even on my birthday, all I ever got was a half hearted, "Happy Birthday." Why would he have a change of heart? Dave shrugs his shoulders, like he was just as confused as I was. "Took a look through it myself. Very interesting. I only ask you believe what it says, even if it seems...unrealistic." I got up, handing him a twenty. "Thank you for lunch, Dave. See you Monday?" The man nodded his head. "You have a good one, kid."

…

"23...24...25…" music blared through my earbuds as I lowered my body and brought it back up. "26…27...28." My timer beeped, and I dropped to the floor, totally exhausted. I grab my phone, setting a new timer for an hour from now. After hitting start, I lay against my bed frame. My eyes drift around the room. It was dark out now. The time was about 8:30, so that's to be expected. I suck in a breath, picking myself up, when my gaze focuses in on the book laying on my desk. 'Why?' The only word that floats through my mind. I just can't get over it. He hated me, right? So, why would he do anything for me? I obstructed his path to success, I back talked him, I did whatever I could to make him realize what he was doing was wrong. 'Well, you're doing the same thing, right?' No, I'm not. I just want to make friends. I don't want to trample over people. That's just not who I am. 'Are you sure?' I move over to the desk, sit in my chair, and rest my hand on the silky feeling cover. I guess I'm not sure. I turn it open. I was immediately struck by the handwriting. It was a journal, written with what I assume is a pen.

Son, if you're reading this, then that means Dave kept his promise. I don't doubt he would, he's a pretty reliable guy. I know our relationship isn't the best, and that maybe, when I die, you'll be the happiest man in the world. But, I have a story for you. And when I'm done telling it to you, I believe the reasons for my death should be clear. I visited the world beyond the wall, Francis. And I think the people in the city want to kill me before I can share it. I pray you:ll believe me, but what you do when I finish my tale is solely up to you. Just, for now, except what I say. It's all I ask.

I felt a fire burning in my chest. The compulsion to close that damn book and throw it away was strong, and tempting, but I persisted.

I ignored my timer when it beeped again, transfixed on the tale being woven before my eyes. A tale of a man finding himself in another world, not so unlike his own. When the back cover was closed, it was around 11:00. That one simple question that had taken over my mind was replaced by another; 'Is he lying?' My father had never been one to lie. He was an asshole beyond belief, but he never lied. The one really admirable thing about him. But, if he's telling the truth, then the last sentence worried me beyond belief. I couldn't sleep that night, it had me so worried.

I failed my mission to save that world, son, and I can try my hardest to protect you from that, but, I'm sure, that one day, my past will come to devour you. So, be prepared.