Torn Drabble: Time For Regrets

There was a kid who joined up, back in the beginning of Torn's days in the Underground. He had big green eyes and a crooked smile. Always ready to help. He didn't demand the most dangerous missions, knowing very well he wouldn't be able to handle them. He listened, never argued. He couldn't have been older than 15, and even that was pushing it.

"One day," he'd said. "I'm gonna do something and you're gonna be impressed, Torn. You'll be proud, I swear!" And he smiled the whole time, truly believing his words.

Torn had rolled his eyes in response, fighting the tug he felt at his lip to turn upward.

This kid had never been one to disobey orders-never broke the rules. He was perfect for small jobs; deliveries, message carrying and the occasional back-up. Torn had told him specifically never to argue with the Guard. In a world like theirs, they had to go unnoticed.

They said he was protecting someone- woman, child, it didn't matter. All that mattered was he was shot down, in broad daylight. A death that was pointless and not too bloody. And it was as simple as that. People turned their heads, pretended he didn't exist. As if it had never happened.

Maybe Torn should have taught him more. Had someone else teach him more. Done something-anything. But the time for regrets had long since passed. And as Torn sat, shoulders hunched, at the near empty bar, staring into a near empty drink, he felt this more than ever.

Sometimes he wondered if he'd imagined it all, if maybe in a desperate attempt not to let go, he'd created someone...to take Kade's place.

But then he remembered.

He downed the rest of his drink, the taste now sour in his mouth, and left the money on the counter. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, he stepped outside. He could see his breath as it rose into the air, dissipating into nothing.

The time for regrets was over.

He ducked his head against the wind and began walking.