Time Loop

08 - First Loop

Sam exhaled sharply, shaking his head slightly. "Jasper, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me when something happens. And why do you always walk? I can give u a ride! I mean, come on, I'm your friend. You don't have to struggle alone," he said, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

I took another sip of the drink, letting the fizzy sensation settle before responding, "Look, you've already helped me a lot before. Not anymore. I can handle things myself." My tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Sam sighed again, this time deeper, as if he had heard this from me a hundred times before.

"Alright, fine," he muttered, though he didn't sound convinced. He then straightened up from his relaxed posture. "Anyway, I got you something, so I'll head to the canteen now and grab something for myself before the break ends."

"Yeah, go before time runs out. Shoo," I said, waving him off as I continued eating. He gave me a look, a small smirk appearing on his lips before he turned and walked toward the canteen. I watched him leave for a moment before sighing and leaning my head back slightly against the wall.

Sam had always been there for me. He had always helped me, whether it was something small like this or something much bigger. And I knew, if I ever needed him again, he wouldn't hesitate to be there.

But I had made up my mind. I couldn't keep relying on him. Friends don't exist to fix your problems. They have their own lives, their own struggles, their own burdens to carry. And as much as I appreciated Sam's kindness, I didn't want to become someone who depended on it. He had already done so much for me, and I had decided I wouldn't let myself burden him any longer.

The hallway was quiet. Everyone had left for their break, and I was still leaning against the wall outside my classroom, finishing the last of the snack Sam had given me. The cold drink can was nearly empty, condensation dripping onto my fingers. The school felt oddly peaceful, the usual chaos of students chatting and running around now concentrated in the cafeteria.

Even from here, I could hear the faint hum of conversations, laughter, and the occasional clatter of trays and plates.

And then suddenly, A deafening sound ripped through the silence. Sound like an explosion.

The walls trembled. The floor beneath me vibrated violently, and the lights flickered for a split second before a loud BOOM echoed through the entire building. The force of it was enough to make my ears ring. My heart lurched as the hallway filled with the distant screams of students. For a moment, I was frozen in place, my mind struggling to process what had just happened. Then, instinct kicked in.

I pushed off the wall and ran. Even though i didn't know whats happening, or where i am going, i just started running. My breath came in sharp gasps as I bolted down the hallway, turning a corner. Other students were already running in the opposite direction, their faces pale with panic.

"What the hell-?" someone shouted.

Smoke was starting to creep through the corridors, the acrid scent burning my nose. I stopped abruptly and turned to the nearest teacher, who was ushering students out of their classrooms. "Sir, what's happening?" I asked, my voice uneven. His face was tense, his eyes darting back and forth like he was calculating something. Then, he turned to me and spoke quickly.

"There was an explosion in the cafeteria. No time to ask questions. run, Jasper. Get outside, now." The urgency in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. The teacher turned toward the classrooms, raising his voice. "Everyone, move! Get outside of the school! now!"

The hallways became a blur of chaos. Students flooded out of their classrooms, pushing and shoving in an attempt to get to the exit. Fear gripped me, my heartbeat pounding in my ears as I turned on my heels and sprinted with the crowd. And then-gunfire. Sharp, rapid shots rang through the air, coming from the direction of the cafeteria. The sound was unmistakable.

I barely had time to process it before the panic around me doubled. Students screamed. Some ducked, others hesitated, unsure of what to do. I ran faster, shoving past people as more gunshots echoed through the corridors. I didn't look back. I couldn't. My body moved on pure adrenaline, my mind racing with only one thought--get out. The doors were close. Just a few more steps.

Then another bang. I flinched at the sound, my breath catching in my throat as someone near me dropped to the floor. I didn't stop. I couldn't stop. I pushed forward, finally breaking through the entrance doors. The moment I was outside, the cold air hit me. Students were running in every direction, some collapsing in exhaustion, others screaming for help. Teachers were trying to maintain order, but panic had already consumed the crowd. Then, the blaring sirens.

Police cars skidded to a stop near the school gates, officers jumping out, weapons drawn. Some ran toward the building, others grabbed nearby students, shouting for them to move away. Ambulances followed close behind, paramedics already rushing toward the injured.

It was chaos. I stumbled away from the school, my legs weak, my breathing uneven. The sounds of sirens, shouts, and gunfire all blurred into one sickening noise in my head. People were being taken away, some on stretchers, others wrapped in shock blankets. Some weren't moving at all. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"Jasper!" I turned sharply. Sam was there, his face pale, his expression a mixture of relief and fear. "You're okay," he breathed, his shoulders dropping slightly. "Thank God-" I shook my head, swallowing hard. "I need to go home." My voice was hoarse. Sam didn't argue. He simply nodded, understanding the urgency. "Go. I'll call you later.. or wait. Ill give u a ride."

I nodded. Sam brought the bike, and I sat behind him. Then he dropped me home and left himself. By the time I went inside, my body was on the verge of collapse. My legs ached, my lungs burned, and my mind was spinning with everything I had just witnessed.

Rhea was standing at the door, her eyes wide with worry. "Jasper---what?." I didn't let her finish. I walked past her, into the house, my legs barely carrying me anymore. "Jasper, what happened?" she asked again, following me inside. "Why are you---?." "There was... an explosion," I muttered, my voice hollow. "At school." Her breath hitched. "What?"

I couldn't answer. I just kept walking, my body moving on autopilot. I reached my room and collapsed onto the bed, my arms weak, my fingers still trembling. For a moment, Rhea stood at the door, as if waiting for me to say something else. But when I didn't, she simply nodded, stepping back. "I'll... tell mom," she said. "No...dont," i mumured looking back at her slightly. She nodded and left.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my heartbeat still too fast. I squeezed my eyes shut, and took deep breaths. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drifted into unconsciousness.

The sound of my alarm pulled me back. I blinked groggily, my vision adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through my window. Something felt... off. I sat up slowly, rubbing my face before turning to grab my phone. The screen lit up. 6:00 AM. I looked up at the date.

March 7th...again?

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