Paper Hearts: The Return

I had decided to take a bus back home. I didn’t even really bother looking around the city, and it never came across my mind to tell anyone about what had happened. I felt too guilty about skipping a day of work, without a word. Surely my managers would be rather pissed off had they found out I had chosen to go to the city, rather than do one good day of work.

However before I had reached home, I received a phone call again from Dale.

“Where are you? I know you’re not at work.”

I, at that point decided to tell the truth.


“I was on a train to the city, but then the train driver had a heart attack, and everything went nuts. The train driver’s dead.”

“But you’re alright, right? That’s all that matters.” Dale stated soothingly, but I was sure there was more to his words.

“Yes, I’m fine. Now what’s this all about work?”

“Haven’t you heard?” Dale gasped.

“Obviously I haven’t.”
“There was a bomb threat. You know how we’re taught at work to wave a red card if anyone gives a bomb threat on the phone?”
“Well, yeah…?”
“Apparently there was one, but this time nobody took it seriously when it was.”
“Damn. Is anyone hurt?”
“Apparently some are dead, even more injured. But nobody you would know.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“No. Just telling it like it is. The building is completely fucked, so you won’t have to worry about coming to work tomorrow.”
“That’s the last thing in my mind right about now.”


I couldn’t understand the sudden concern for my well being from Dale. To me, Dale was just a nice guy from work. I hadn’t even actually considered him being a good friend of mine. After I had thought thoroughly about it, it seemed to me more that this Dale person, although concerned was still somewhat creepy. Usually my instincts are correct but I can still be wrong.

When I had finally reached home, I checked to see if anyone was home. I was alone, thankfully. I rushed to my room, locking my door and collapsed on my bed. My bed never felt more comfortable.

I knew it had only been half a day, the day was not over and even though I half knew I could still go to work, upon hearing what had happened I had decided not to stress about it.

That night, the television shows weren’t the same. I didn’t care for them anymore, and for once in five years I had gone to sleep early. Turning out the lights, for the first time I welcomed the unknown future that I had ahead of me, as well as the darkness.


The next day I awoke to the violent sounds of the trees being bashed by the wind. My eyes had completely dried out, and my eyelids were now stuck together. With my eyes closed, I made my way through to the bathroom to wash my eyes. I was completely dehydrated. Once I had finally managed to pry open my eyes, and wash my face, I began to stare at myself in the mirror.

Straight away I could sense something was different about me, something inside me had changed, although I wasn’t quite sure what exactly had changed about me.


I rang up the office at work, to find out what was going on. I know I had been told things by Dale, but I wanted to hear it for myself.

But before I could dial out from the house phone, it rang and I instantly answered it.

“Hello?” I asked curiously.
“It’s me, Dale.” A voice stated through the receiver.

But at that very instant I realised that something was not right, as I had never given Dale my home telephone number.