End Of Passion Play - {James Hetfield/Metallica}

Chapter 9 | Fire

August 1992

Just when I thought that things couldn't get any worse, they did.

I was still an alcoholic, and me and my dad still weren't on good terms. In fact, I hadn't spoken to him for nearly a year.

It was early evening in the city of Montreal, and I was playing my heart out on stage. We were playing Fade to Black.

When I looked up at the audience waving their arms in the air, lighters in their hands, I smiled. This is what I live for. I thought to myself.

No one but me can save myself
But it's too late
Now I can't think
Think why I should even try

All of a sudden, there was a bright flash not too far from where I was standing. We all stopped playing as James was consumed in a firey blast.

"HOLY SHIT!" I screamed. "JAMES!".

Me and Kirk ran towards him, and he was on his knees, in visible pain.

"Oh my god, James, what happened?" I asked, going down beside him.

He just groaned in pain. I looked up at Kirk and we exchanged worried glances.

"Fuck," Kirk sighed, kneeling beside James. "Oh no, his arm is all red.".

I gasped, taking a look for myself. "Oh god.". I put my arm on James' shoulder. "Talk to me, hun." I said.

"I think I'm gonna die." he responded.

***

I sobbed as me, Kirk, and Lars watched James being taken into the ambulance .

Kirk put his arm around my shoulders. I wiped my eyes, hoping that it wouldn't be the last time I ever saw James.

In silence, we walked to the bus. I took a seat beside Kirk.

"I don't want him to die." I said. All I could think about was the bright flame that had totally consumed James, and the awful burns he had on his arms.

"I don't want him to die, either." Kirk sighed. "Of course I don't. He's my best friend.".

"I thought I was your best friend!" Lars pouted.

Kirk rolled his eyes. "Okay, James is my second- best friend.".

"Was his face burned? I didn't really see." Lars asked.

I turned around in my seat to face him. "No, but he looked and sounded like he was in a lot of pain." I replied. My heart dropped when I thought about what I'd do if I lost him. I truly needed him.

Kirk placed his hand on my shoulder. "Sarah?" he asked.

"Yeah?".

"I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.".

"Me neither.".

"Wanna just have a horror movie marathon tonight?".

I nodded. "Yeah, sure. Thanks, Kirk.".

"Hey, what about me?" Lars asked.

"Oh, yes, you're invited, too." Kirk told him.

I looked out the window at the passing city, wishing we were still playing at the concert.

"I bet Guns and Rumors is gonna be late." Lars said. "They're always focking late.".

"I bet there's a 99% chance you're right." I replied glumly. I let out a sigh.

After a few moments of silence, I broke it. "I love James." I said. "I hope I get the chance to tell him.".

"Tell him the next time you see him!" Lars replied.