Tim hated lying, but he had no choice. All he wanted now was to be at home and nowhere else. He believed he could handle everything on his own and didn't need anyone's help. Sleep still eluded him at night, so he spent his time drawing. Only music and sketching could calm him down.
A whole week passed without him leaving the house. Ethan and the other club members texted almost every day, and Tim replied with short, dry messages.
Ethan: "The lecturers keep asking about you. At least attend classes next week, or they won't let you take the midterms."
Tim: "Don't worry."
The last thing Tim wanted was to go back to university and face people. If he forced himself to go out now, he feared he'd feel even worse.
Logan: "Remember there's a competition tomorrow. You have to show up."
Tim: "I remember."
All he could think about was leaving the club. He could have easily won and yet felt it was a waste of time. But for some reason, he didn't want to quit. He didn't know why. Being part of the club gave him a happiness he hadn't felt in a long time. If he left, he'd never leave the house again and that would destroy his mental state.
Thursday. Club meeting.
Logan: "Is everyone here?"
Al: "Everyone except Tim."
Logan: "Let's start. As always, Tim will be the last contestant."
Willy: "I wouldn't be so sure."
Seb: "You two fight like cats and dogs. I'm sure he'll show up just to annoy you."
Willy, Seb, Al, and Logan had the best scores so far. The competition was nearly over when the university rector suddenly walked in.
Rector: "Hello, everyone. I need a few minutes. There's something important I need to tell you."
Everyone greeted her and turned their attention to the front.
Rector: "For those who don't know, there's an upcoming competition where we need two representatives. William and Sebastian were supposed to go, but Sebastian has a visa issue. There's very little time left, and if we can't find another participant, we'll have to withdraw."
Willy: "But this competition is very important for us."
Seb: "Maybe we can find someone else who won't have visa problems."
Al: "Or maybe reapply for the visa?"
Rector: "You have until the competition day. If you can't find anyone, I'll have to cancel."
Suddenly, the door opened. A figure entered, face hidden under a mask and hat.
Tim: "Hi, guys."
Without greeting anyone properly, he walked straight to his spot. He prepared his bow, took aim, and fired five perfect shots for 50 points, as usual. Then he turned and walked toward the rector.
Tim: "Hello. Sorry for not greeting you earlier. I heard you'd be here. I brought these documents for you."
Rector: "That's fine. I'll inform the lecturers. Get some rest and come back soon."
Tim: "Goodbye."
Everyone stared in shock. They couldn't understand what had just happened. How could he act so casually?
Willy: "Wait! Where are you going?"
Tim didn't even look back.
Tim: "I'm done here. Going home."
Willy: "The meeting isn't over! You were late for the competition, and now you just leave? If you keep this up, you'll be kicked out of the club."
Tim chuckled, making Willy even angrier.
Willy: "You can't just do whatever you want here."
Tim: "The rules say I only need to attend the competition and maintain my previous score. Show me where I broke the rules."
The room fell silent. Everyone knew these two couldn't stand being in the same space.
Rector: "Enough! Tim already informed us that he wouldn't be able to attend lectures and training. He has special permission."
Willy: "That's unfair to the rest of us! He shows up once a week for the competition and that's it?! He does nothing for the club. We don't need members like that."
Rector: "Tim has health issues. That's why he can't come to campus."
Willy froze. Guilt washed over him. He had sensed something was wrong with Tim, yet instead of supporting him, he'd lashed out.
Tim turned to face him, eyes sharp.
Tim: "What did you just say? That I'm doing nothing? I heard you have a problem. I'll replace Seb. But there's just one small issue I'm not sure my health will let me compete. Oh wait, I almost forgot they only need one participant."
Rector: "Perfect! I'll handle the arrangements. I completely forgot you could go. Weren't you planning to visit your parents anyway?"
Tim: "No, I was already with them this week. But I'll do anything for the club."
Willy opened his mouth to protest, but the rector cut him off.
Rector: "I'll take care of everything. Excuse me."
Tim stepped closer to Willy and whispered in his ear.
Tim: "Looking forward to it. I'm glad you're coming with me. Oh, and guess what I could've fixed Seb's visa issue because I know the ambassador. But I won't. Enjoy being stuck with me."
He placed one hand on Willy's shoulder and the other on his neck.
Tim: "Maybe I'll even introduce you to my parents. Enjoy your freedom while you can. From now on, I'll be your shadow. I promised I'd stay by your side every second, and I always keep my promises."
Willy muttering: "Fuck you."
Tim: "I know you want to. You can if you like, but I'm not into one-night stands."
Willy stormed out, slamming the door. Tim smiled, watching him go.
Tim: "Does anyone know Willy's schedule?"
Logan: "Yeah… but why do you need it?"
Tim: "I just want to sort out a few details with him. Forgot to ask earlier."
Logan: "Okay. I'll send it to you."
Tim: "Thanks a lot. You're the best."
And so began the plan: "I'll be with you every moment."