Synopsis:

Taking place a week prior to Weekend 2, Joel has lost something precious to him. An object of great importance. Together with his friend Taylor, they search all over campus hoping to find it. What follows is an emotional dialogue between Taylor and Joel that will challenge their friendship as much as it will cement it.
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I was beginning to lose all hope. There was heavy rain that day; my clothes, backpack and fur soaked. I must’ve searched for over an hour. Nothing. I had no idea what had happened to it. Soon Taylor came running up behind me.

Taylor
I looked all over but...I didn’t find it.

I knew he looked long and hard. But I had to be sure. This was important to me.

Joel
What about the classroom?

Taylor
I already checked.

Joel
Well, what about the hallways outside there?

Taylor
I already looked.

Joel
Well...maybe it’s…

Taylor
JOEL?!

I took a moment to compose myself. The last thing I wanted to do was frustrate my best friend.

Taylor
Ah-shit. Look I’m...can we just get out of this fucking rain please?

Joel
Ya…

We started walking towards Taylor’s car. It’d be more quiet and warmer.


Joel
Maybe we can ask the lost and found again.

Taylor
We talked to them not even an hour ago.

Joel
Well maybe someone found it and returned it.


Taylor stopped walking and turned around. He looked really annoyed.


Taylor
You know, what is it with you?

Joel
What do you mean?

Taylor
I mean we’re standing out here getting soaked and you’re freaking out over something that you can easily replace! Just buy another one! Problem solved.

Joel
Taylor…

Taylor
No, what am I not seeing here? It’s ridiculous.

Joel
I just gotta find it.

Taylor
And you could probably “find” it online for ten bucks...it’s stupid.

Joel
It’s not the same.

Taylor
Oh for fuck’s sake....


His words were like a knife through my chest. I knew he meant well, but I began to cry. More-so because I was starting to convince myself he may be right.


Joel
You know Taylor, if you wanna go home, then go home okay? I’ll find it myself.

Taylor
And how will you get home?

Joel
I’ll take the bus or something.

Taylor
And you’ll catch a cold waiting for it.


He was right. I knew he was right. But I couldn’t let this go.


Taylor
Look just *sigh*. We looked all over. Okay, it would have turned up by now if it was here. Someone probably picked it up and took it home with them.

Joel
You don’t know that…*begins to cry*

Taylor
Let’s just, walk to the car okay? We can get warm and just figure shit out.


We got to the car soon after. Once we got in, I felt I owed Taylor an explanation. So I told him a story.


Joel
It’s not stupid you know…

Taylor
What?

Joel
The necklace, it’s not stupid.

Taylor
Look, I didn’t mean to…*sigh*

Joel
The night before Daniel left, I had a dream. I was alone in some town. I’m not sure where exactly. I was searching all over for Daniel. It was raining hard, harder than it is now. The whole place was empty, there wasn’t a soul in sight. It was so dark I could barely see. After walking for some time I came to a bridge. I saw a single light in the distance and so I went to it. That’s when I found Daniel kneeling there alone, scared. Crying. I went to him but as soon as I touched his shoulder, he turned around and looked at me as if he didn’t know who I was. I don’t know what happened next because the light went out and it was pitch black. And then I woke up.

Taylor
Joel…

Joel
I know it was just a nightmare. But it felt so real. And so I gave him the necklace so that he would know he wasn’t alone. So that just in case we got lost or separated, he would know how to find me.


I know the story didn’t make much sense to Taylor. He never experienced anything like that. But I just needed him to understand.


Joel
So that’s why it’s important. That’s why I can’t just “buy another one.”

Taylor
I’m sorry.

Joel
No, *sigh* no-don’t be. I know it’s gone. I know it’s…


To my surprise he reached over and gave me a hug. That’s what I loved about Taylor. He knew when to put his shield down and just be a friend. Even if it was a little odd for him to do so.


Joel
*chuckles* You never were the hugging type.

Taylor
I never was an asshole either.

Joel
I know. We should go before we catch a cold.

Taylor
Ya…


Taylor started his car and begin to drive me home. The car ride was mostly silent. Once we arrived at my house, I thanked him for going out of his way to help me. It was nice having his help, even though we left empty-handed.


Joel
Thanks for your help Taylor, I appreciate it.

Taylor
It’s the least I could do. You gonna be okay?

Joel
Probably not.


I knew that wasn’t what he wanted to hear but hey, I was honest.


Taylor
Well, I’m here if you need anything.


I smiled and nodded in reply. Then opened the car door and walked to my house. My mom greeted me as soon as I came in.


Julia
Oh, there you are Joel! How was class?

Joel
Fine.


I was never really good at hiding my emotions. And my Mom knew me too well that she could tell I was hiding something.


Julia
You okay?

Joel
No. I-*sigh* I lost my necklace at school.

Julia
Oh. Actually, it’s in your room.


I was in disbelief. Did I really do that? I just left it here?


Joel
What?!

Julia
Ya, I found it in your pocket while doing your laundry. You know Joel you need to be careful with these things.

Joel
THANK YOU SO MUCH MOM!!!

I gave her a hug then ran upstairs to my room. And there it was sitting on my bed. I picked it up and held it close. I didn’t want to imagine what Daniel would’ve done if I lost it. I texted Taylor the whole story. I was expecting him to be even more annoyed as we essentially wasted our time, but he was sweet about it. After what we just went through I promised myself to keep it close and never lose it like that again. After all, as someone once told me: if something’s important to you, take care of it with all your heart.

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