Life In An Aquarium

Every single person seated in a bleacher stared at me, who coincidentally also had the ball. “We haven’t got all day Summer, just throw it and we can go home!”, said our team’s coach.

“Summer there’s no need for you to be afraid! Nobody’s judging you if this goes horribly wrong!”, why did he say that out loud? They wouldn’t judge, but Uncle on the other hand. Overhead storm clouds were quickly gathering.

“Yo dude can you please hurry up before everybody gets drenched?! Sis just got over her cold yesterday!” My hand folds tightly around cement hard leather. No matter how often things go right, it’s always me who takes last second before that buzzer goes off.

“Kid if your not gonna-”, whoever spoke instantly shuts themselves up. Within sight of everyone my arm winds up. Every bit of strength gets poured into a single object. Possibly with rage in my eyes, as the guy up front slightly flinches, I hurl the ball. Water droplets begin falling simultaneously. Opposing team’s batter readies himself, an unyielding look in his eye. No matter how much preparation is made the ball itself never makes contact. Moments before impact, blinding light consumes our sight. As everyone cautiously looks on my world is enveloped by heavy rain. For so long not one visitor says anything.

With microsecond speed a random toddler says, “Oh my God!”

Truth be said this wasn’t my first time being in a thunderstorm. Albeit up till now those experiences didn’t involve me flying through one! Right outside the cockpit bolts are occasionally seen firing across like fireworks. Beside me co-pilot Jawson Malcolm sat wide-eyed at what’s in front. His chest rose greatly then fell with each deep breath. Couldn’t say much other than ‘We’ll make it out alive.’ and ‘Just treat this as if it were a simulation.’ Now it should be noted we have lightning countermeasures installed, but it’s not entirely foolproof. As the next strike proves. Certain electrically sensitive items go dark, such as our radar. My first instinct was to keep going since the closest landing strip was at our destination. When either of us try steering, however, we find that it doesn’t budge even a little. Autopilot’s off so why isn’t this plane changing course?! In defiance of all known physics our aircraft continuously flies in a straight line despite lacking enough power for said maneuver. Suddenly we break through surrounding clouds, finding solace far above the storm. For what seems like awhile nothing happens. In a spectacular change of events our plane nosedives into oblivion. Malcolm couldn’t hold back anymore screams. Pretty sure everyone in back couldn’t either. You would be lead to believe my last thoughts are of home or family, possibly a lover. Instead all that accumulated was that accursed moment back in middle school. Flashes return in full swing. With another stray bolt my vision goes black.