Tim hadn't shown up at the university since Monday. Ethan was growing more anxious by the hour. He tried calling, texting but nothing worked.
Tuesday
Ethan: "How are you, Tim? You left so suddenly yesterday. I'm really worried about you. Call me as soon as you see this message."
Ethan kept staring at his phone, hoping Tim would reply. His gut told him something was wrong. Tim wouldn't disappear without a reason.
Wednesday
Ethan: "Tim, please answer me. If you don't, I'll call the police."
Panic was starting to creep in. Not knowing what else to do, Ethan decided to go to the shooting club. Everyone was there, preparing for tomorrow's big meeting.
Ethan: "Hey guys, have you heard from Tim?"
Logan: "Hey, Ethan. No. He hasn't replied in the group chat either."
Willy: "What's going on?"
Ethan: "He's ignoring my texts and calls. I'm really worried about him."
Willy: "I'll try to reach him."
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. Willy called him no answer. The tension was thick.
Al: "Let's wait. He'll definitely show up tomorrow."
Ethan: "Alright. If you hear anything, let me know."
Logan: "You got it."
Ethan headed to his second lecture, but he couldn't focus. By evening, he dragged himself home, exhausted. Grabbing his phone from the table, he finally saw a message from Tim.
Tim: "I'm sorry, Ethan. Really sorry. I don't feel well and I don't want to talk to anyone. I'll definitely come to the university tomorrow. Can you get to the club early? Let me know before the last participants finish."
Ethan: "It's okay. I'll see you there."
The next day, Ethan, who didn't even have a lecture, went straight to the shooting club. The place was buzzing with people. Members and newcomers crowded the hall. Tim still hadn't arrived.
Willy and Seb were busy explaining the rules to the participants. Everyone was tense.
Ethan: "The last participants are getting ready. Where are you?"
Tim: "Look to your right."
Ethan turned and scanned the crowd then froze. Tim barely looked like himself. His hair was messy, his face pale, dark circles under his eyes. It was obvious he hadn't slept in days. Ethan wanted to talk to him, but there was no time.
Logan: "Hey Tim! You're up next!"
Tim: "Not great, but now's not the time."
He strapped on his eye and ear protection and stepped forward. Five shots. Each one landed perfectly.
Tim scored 50 points the highest. Cheers erupted. The members swarmed him with congratulations. Everyone was thrilled except Willy, who stood off to the side, arms crossed.
Tim walked over to him.
Tim: "Seen what I can do? What do you think now?"
Willy: "You shoot well. But if it were up to me, you wouldn't be on this team."
Tim: "Why?"
Willy: "I notice everything. Your focus slipped. Your hand shook. And considering you've been absent from university, I doubt you'll commit to training. I don't need unreliable people."
Tim: "I'm not here to compete with beginners. I'll tell you straight, I'm here for your spot."
Willy: "You want my place? Then you'd better work for it. But honestly? I don't think you've got it in you."
Tim: "Is that so? Give me a few months and I'll take your place."
He winked and walked away to join the others.
The truth was, Willy wasn't wrong. Tim was falling apart inside. The past few days have been a storm of depression, panic attacks, insomnia.
Logan: "Shouldn't we celebrate your win?"
Tim: "Sorry, not in the mood."
Al: "Is this because of Willy? Ignore him."
Ethan: "Talk to me. I'll help however I can."
Logan: "Yeah, you left so suddenly that day. We were all worried."
Tim: "I know. And I'm sorry. I just… I don't want to talk right now. I'm exhausted."
Logan: "If that's what you want."
Ethan: "Call me if you need to talk."
At that moment, Tim's phone lit up. He glanced at the screen, and his expression changed instantly.
Unknown Number: "Still there? Your time is running out. Go back to your parents!"
Everyone noticed his reaction.
Ethan: "What happened?"
Tim forced a smile.
Tim: "Nothing. A friend's pissed I've been ignoring him. Same old threats. I'll call him. Bye, guys. Ethan, I won't be at uni tomorrow either. Don't worry. I'm visiting my parents."
Ethan: "Fine. But answer my texts!"
Tim: "I'll try."
Ethan slapped his shoulder in mock anger.
Tim: "Relax. Sometimes you act like my older brother."
Ethan: "Because you act like a child. If you want me to stop, grow up."
Tim: "Nope. I'm a spoiled brat."
He stuck his tongue out and walked away. Ethan just shook his head, he was used to Tim's antics.
From across the room, Willy watched silently. Something was off. Tim was hiding something. Every time he got one of those messages, he disappeared.
That evening, Tim was added to a new group chat Club Members.
Logan: "Check the schedule and club rules. Ask if you have questions."
Competitions were held weekly, and attendance was mandatory. Perform poorly and you were out. Other than that, only safety rules applied.
Tim: "See you at the competition."
Willy: "Not surprised. Wouldn't expect anything else from you."
Tim: "What's wrong? Sad you can't see me every day? Don't worry once I'm back from work, I'll be with you, every moment."
Willy: "I don't give a damn. Do what you want."
Tim: "Oh, I will. Don't change your mind."
Tim smirked at the screen. He loved getting under Willy's skin.