Lauren

Lauren was that guy at university no one noticed. He always walked alone, and even when the city was on alert for street attacks, he walked the streets alone at night, finding peace and freedom in it.

On yet another such night, Lauren was attacked. He was beaten half to death, robbed blind, and only when he was in the hospital did everyone suddenly remember him. Everyone, that is, except you.

You were one of those who didn't ignore Lauren, but rather made his life even worse, humiliating and mocking him. But he was never angry; he'd loved you for a long time, and lying here in the hospital, he was waiting for only one person—you.

When you finally arrived, he sat up in bed, his pain piercing his face, smiling at you. "I've been waiting for you for so long..." he whispered. His voice was hoarse, not as clear as usual, which made your chest tighten.