03-Zack's Despair

"The glaring sun acted like an alarm clock, rudely nudging Zack awake. He quickly went through his morning routine, hoping to see his father downstairs for breakfast. But as he descended the stairs, disappointment washed over him.

"Did Dad leave for work already or hasn't he come back yet, or maybe he's working overtime?" Zack wondered aloud.

He noticed the dry plates, an unused toaster, and the absence of his father's laundry in the bathroom. It confirmed that his father hadn't returned and was likely working late.

Zack decided to cook breakfast for both of them. He made an omelette, toasted some bread, and kept his father's portion in the fridge. As he prepared to leave for school, his phone rang. It was Ben calling.

"Hello, Zack," Ben's voice carried enthusiasm.

"Hey, Ben! Why are you calling right before school? Aren't you going today? By the way, why didn't you come yesterday? I was in big trouble because of you," Zack inquired.

"Didn't you check your email? Today's a holiday. And I was busy with something important. What are your plans for today? And about yesterday, I promise I'll make it up to you," Ben replied.

Zack realized he hadn't checked his emails and felt relieved about the holiday. He then shared the story of his encounter with John from the previous day.

"Great! Since it's a holiday, come over to my house. We can play Space Fighter on my ZS-20, and I have something to show you that'll make up for yesterday," Ben suggested.

Zack considered the invitation. He usually spent his holidays studying and with his father, as he didn't want to waste his father's hard-earned money on entertainment. But today, he agreed to visit Ben.

Ben's house was in a completely different neighborhood, much more affluent than Zack's. He often felt out of place there but was comforted by the warm welcome he received from Ben and his mother. The house seemed like a maze, but Zack had grown familiar with its winding corridors over time.

Ben was eagerly waiting in his room when Zack arrived. After an intense gaming session, Ben emerged as the winner. They had lunch together before Ben revealed his big secret.

"Zack, let me show you what your great friend has," Ben said, producing two silver membership cards. "These are silver membership cards for a famous brothel in the red-light district near the X-zone. My cousin from the 'Hunter Police' gave them to me as a gift for my 19th birthday, so I could experience the wonders of adolescence."

Zack hesitated for a moment, then dropped one of the cards, exclaiming, "What! Ben, you shameless guy, spending your time and money on such things? And you're giving one to me?"

Ben chuckled, "Come on, Zack. We're growing up, and it's time to explore life a bit. It's not as bad as you make it sound. Plus, it's good to have some experience for the future. Take one, and don't worry about it."

Zack reluctantly accepted the card, not sure what he'd do with it. After some back-and-forth discussion, he pocketed it, and with a final farewell, he left Ben's house, amused by his friend's audaciousness.

As Zack returned home, he was greeted by a crowd gathered in front of his house, and among them was Mr. Ross, his father's colleague. Concerned, Zack approached him, asking, "Uncle Ross, what's going on? Where's my dad? I haven't seen him since yesterday morning."

Ross struggled to find the right words. "Zack," he began, his voice heavy with sorrow, "your father... he won't be coming back. There was an explosion in the mines yesterday, and..."

Tears welled up in Zack's eyes as the world around him seemed to crumble. His heart grew heavy with grief and disbelief. "No, Uncle Ross, that can't be true. My dad can't be gone," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Ross embraced Zack tightly as they both wept. In the days that followed, Zack grappled with the harsh reality of his father's passing. He sought solace in memories of the moments they had shared—their outings, his father's stories, and the joy of being lifted onto his shoulders.

The mining community came together for the funeral, offering condolences and sharing stories of his father's dedication to the mine. Ben, alongside his father, approached Zack with a somber expression.

"I'm really sorry, Zack," Ben said softly. "My father and I both knew your dad. He was a good man. If there's anything I can do..."

Zack nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Thank you, Ben. It means a lot to me."

In the days that followed, Zack withdrew from school, avoiding calls and immersing himself in a solitary world of grief. Dark thoughts occasionally plagued him, but he found no courage to act on them.

Desperate for a distraction, he stumbled upon the card Ben had given him. It offered him a peculiar way to numb his pain and momentarily forget his sorrow. With hesitation and curiosity, Zack called the number on the card and arranged for a discreet home service.

When the doorbell rang, Zack opened it and was taken aback. "You?" he exclaimed.

Authors note :- Wanted to add more thing but didn't had the time.

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