Something Goes Wrong
There a young gorilla was on a fine Spring evening, off of campus, coming off as a looker. Sid Stonem came off as a punk, sporting jeans, red and white running shoes, a white t-shirt with Chinese text, and a black leather jacket. Really, he was the quiet type, shy around others. Though he looked nonchalant, rolling his orange and green skateboard, his heart was racing.
Just a college student living in Marevalley, the silverback gorilla wanted to try new things. Doing stunts with a skateboard was the latest side hobby of his. They were not really his friends, but he had asked furs around to show him the fundamentals. Now, after having tried out other skaters’ boards and trying the basic manoeuvres, he was confident that he could ride down a slope. The first time of doing so, he picked a spot familiar to him.
Sid stopped at the opening where he intended to do his downhill ride. Perhaps, he lamented that he had nobody with whom to share the small moments in life. He doubted that his parents would care that he learned beginners’ stunts in his free time. The slope was off the road, leading to an underpass.
Sid looked down at his skateboard, thinking that he shouldn’t get on before the pavement bent. He had bought the board for no more than ten pounds, and he was aware that it couldn’t build momentum. So, what reason did he have to worry? He tried to avoid looking down. Not everything could be thought far ahead. Stuntpeople cared about only the present.
The young ape put his feet flat on the board. No stunts; just motion. Sid kicked the ground and started rolling. It all happened so fast. The plastic wheels rattled against the pavement as he seemed to pick up speed, yet didn’t go so fast. Sid focused only on making it to the bottom of the hill, the opening of the underpass.
Using his eyes, his mind ignored his ears. The rattling of plastic didn’t stop. The wheels and surface were like two saws clashing. Somehow, one saw was winning. Sid was so close—
When he heard something snap! A rear wheel broke! Sid, in a panic, swayed in all directions—anything to stay balanced! But it was all for nought. The gorilla fell backwards, landing straight onto the pavement.
The wind was knocked out of him, to put it mildly. His mind reeled, but not for long. Everything looked blurry to him, he couldn’t move, he could feel his heart beating! And… he thought, Is this the end of me? Blood seeped from the back of his head, where he ached and causing all other pain to numb. Mere days past eighteen years of age, he found himself with little time left. In those few seconds, the college student’s childhood flashed before his eyes.
-----
Raman Oak and Harley Walker had been close friends for quite some time. Having been in the same classes, they felt a connection and hit it off. These two also looked like they were up to no good. The reindeer wore a white tank top, a black vest, and green shorts. He had a thick, black crown, the bangs supported by a black headband. The cat wore jeans with the knees torn, and thought that he needed no shirt even when outside at night.
The odd duo trotted casually on the sidewalk, carrying a heavy bag looking as if they were asked to bring something to a party. In actuality, the party was exclusive to the pair. They intended only to hang out at one of their favourite spots to go at the end of the day.
Now in the middle of the underpass, the cervine and feline settled against the wall. The black-and-white tabby presented a bottle that he brought. He suggested, “Wanna try tequila?”
Raman answered, “You can.”
The cat objected, “Y-won’t know until you tasted it.”
Raman rebutted, “I jus’ got used ta the taste of beer. Tequila could taste like piss.”
“But y-don’t know the taste of piss.”
Raman scoffed, “Well, then, beer is good piss.”
Harley commented, “Pity. Because I thought tequila would make the perfect combination with these Cuban cigars.” He presented a grey and yellow box of six.
Raman asked with disbelief, “Did you really pay yer guy fer these?” Harley nodded. “How much did they cost?”
“Y-don’ wanna know.”
“It better not be more than yer weekly pay.” Raman would be worried about how much his friend spent on items. Both of them still had a budget, given who would be hiring outside of campus. Harley had a much harder time in that area, and Raman would still worry about him blowing his budget.
“A little less.”
Raman was still hesitant about it. They had both smoked cigarettes out of stress and frustration when starting college.
Harley lowered his arms and said, “Look. I won’t be buying these again sometime soon. By my impression, cigars are much more potent. The taste could be even stronger. If it’s too much fer you, I’ll finish them myself.”
Raman muttered, “One life to live.”
Harley added, “And one time to experience.” So, the cat handed the reindeer one of the cigars, which he took. Raman then lowered himself for the cat to hold his lighter to it. Harley’s hand dwarfed in Raman’s. However, the cervine could light the entire edge by turning the cigar. After a full circle, the reindeer took small breaths in before he could blow the smoke in his mouth. The duo started to pace along the sidewalk to the opening in the wall, where a slope was—
And the cat was the first to hear scraping, followed by thudding and grunting, and then silence. Harley asked, “Whot the bloody ‘ell happened?”
Raman dropped the cigar as he ran, and Harley ignored it, following his friend. He wasn’t as fast, for he was much shorter and carried a lot of weight in his bag.
-----
The reindeer was shocked to see a gorilla laying flat on the tiled pavement, a skateboard missing a wheel just in front. Raman hurried to where the gorilla lay. His arms were spread out. The reindeer knelt next to the gorilla, terrified. He spoke, “Oi. Whot happened? Whot’s wrong?” He then turned to his friend, looking both sad and scared. Raman said, “Harley, coll fer an ambulance.” That brought the cat to his senses. He got his cell phone out and dialled. Raman then added, “Look for someone who knows their onions about first-aid, too!”
The gorilla’s eyes opened slightly, and he rasped. However, Sid’s vision was not clear. The reindeer said, “Please, be okay.” He doffed his vest, but then hastily pulled his shirt over his head. Sid let out a tear, trying to say, “Please, don’t… defile me…” However, his voice was too low and raspy for his speech to be clear. The reindeer lifted Sid’s head from the ground. Then, the ape’s aide knew how much he bled. Raman twisted his tank top and then bound it around the ape’s head. He pleaded, “Stay with me, big guy.” He kept Sid’s head off the ground, adding, “Stay awake. Yehr ‘ear me? Stay awake.” He breathed heavily, just like the ape. “Can you see me?”
“Losing… losing… sight…” the ape whispered, crying.
“I can help you. Jus’ keep yer eyes open.”
The gorilla blinked, letting his tears continue. “Why…” he rasped. “Why… why help… me…?” This horrified the reindeer. “I… I… did this… to… myself…”
Raman squealed, “It’s only right! Yeh’re too young to die! One life to live! One chance to experience!” The loudness seemed to keep Sid awake. Raman could tell that the gorilla was slim for his kind, and they were the same age. Sid tried to say something, but it couldn’t be heard. Raman said, “Yeh’re in college, right? Think about the classmates that’d miss you.” There was no answer. So, Raman added, “Whot about yer family?” This time, Sid tried to whisper something, only he failed to let the words sound.
Raman begged, “I don’t care that we don’t know each other I wanner ‘elp yeh!”
Through heavy breathing, the gorilla said, “M-my- my- my n-name is… S-Sid… Sid S- Sid Stonem…” He seemed about to fall asleep, but opened his heavy eyes. More tears fell.
The reindeer, empathetic, stated, “I am Raman Oak. I am a first-year at Marevalley College.”
Sid mouthed the name, blinking, trying not to go down. “I-I… go there… too…” He then mouthed something else, only to not sound the words.
“Then surely, you know others at campus.” Sid didn’t answer. So, Raman said, “You must have friends.”
Sid rasped, “Only… a-a-“ He couldn’t finish the word. “I w-wish… th-that I… h-had more… fr-friends…” The young ape seemed to have shed his last tears, for he gave up, closing his eyes. Though Sid still breathed, Raman panicked about how long he had.
As if the world answered his plea, the cat returned where his friend and the ape were, accompanied by a group of first responders, lights flashing from the underpass. The four furs in uniform hurried with a stretcher. A woman—a hare—spoke, “We kin take ‘im from ‘ere.”
Raman backed up, though hesitantly. He asked, “Will he be okay?”
The hare answered, “We’ll know after we get ‘im to the hospital.” She was at the end of the stretcher where the gorilla’s head was when she continued, “He’ll need X-rays by the look of it, but we olso need to sterilise the open wound and keep his heart going.” Getting the stretcher turned around, she asked, “Want a ride, kid?” Raman could have questioned it, but the hare must have known what he was like. He nodded. He took his vest with him and hurried in before the rear doors latched. The black-and-white tabby was already there. Neither of them dared watch the paramedics do what they could to keep the young ape alive.
-----
Somewhere deep within, Sid still clung to life. Perhaps, it still clung to him. Regardless, he felt as if he weighed nothing. In his mind, he saw himself jump straight from the ground, as if something sprung him straight up. Looking down, he saw the same hill where he fell, now shrouded in fog. Still, something told him to keep going. The young gorilla felt like his body, and even his clothes were nothing. He followed nudge after nudge, to jump from one platform to the next. Eventually, he felt himself hit a wall, and yet felt nothing. So, he continued jumping from the platforms—
And found himself in a meadow surrounded by sycamore and elm trees, the grass thick and deep-green. He seemed to glow with the misty and golden atmosphere. Sid looking around, the blades and leaves flowed with the wind, but made no sound. He already knew that he felt no pain, but he suddenly lamented that he couldn’t feel the caress of a gentle breeze. Sid knew that he was crying, but he didn’t feel the tears flowing.
Those tears turned to those of joy. He started running. He frolicked among the grass and could navigate among the trees without hesitation. Even in the haze, he could see clearly. This was perfect for him: Sid acted like the animal that he was. He could scale a tree without tiring himself. What a relief: feeling weightless, yet full of energy. Death was not so bad, after all. Sid performed one professional stunt after another as if he had been born with the knowledge. If only… he could perform them with a partner…
The ape’s solitude was interrupted by a speck from high above, and closed in on him, the features becoming further defined. It was… a cervine… A reindeer! He was slim as any reindeer, his hooves and hoof-hands gleaming. He landed without a sound in the open field, right in front of the gorilla.
Sid asked, “D-you know whot this place is?”
The deer answered plainly, “A realm beyond time.” Sid took in that the deer wore a shroud, a pair of golden bangles, and a white loincloth—and had wings!
Noting the reindeer’s green eyes, Sid spoke, “I don’t know you, but I feel like I should.”
The winged deer confirmed, “We have met, Sid.”
“Whot d-you mean by ‘realm beyond time’?”
“This plane is how you make it.” The ape looked around, seeing from a distance that the trees resembled… ramps! The deer added, “But you still have more ahead of you, before staying here.”
“Whot?” the gorilla demanded.
“You feel neither weight nor touches because you’re not in your body. Soon, your mind and body will be one again.”
Sid looked down sadly. “But whot good will it be? It will only mean more stress at school and more moments of not fitting in.”
“But you can make your life worth living”, the deer objected. “You still have goals that you can fulfil. One life to live; one chance to experience.” Sid was about to dismiss that when the reindeer added, “You can still make friends. You need only open up to others.”
Sid looked into those green eyes as the grass and trees seemed to change into clouds. He inquired, “Will I see you again?” He felt like he had to go to that deer.
The winged reindeer quietly approached him, placed his hand on the ape’s heart. He gave a warming smile—
Which seemed to become more and more distant. Suddenly, all the surroundings warped beyond recognition, even that one figure.
-----
Everything was black, but not for long. Sid could still feel himself, but he felt… heavy… The young ape became alert thanks to the consistent electronic beeping. There was something on him, too. His eyes were still heavy. So, he lifted his arm repeatedly to reach for his face. The only thing to stand out was the gauze around his head.
Finally, the ape could open his eyes, but it had to be slow. The atmosphere was too bright. Everything was quiet. Eventually, things came into view. He was in a teal room, lying on a cot with an adjustable frame and support. As there were no windows, he couldn’t tell the time of day.
Before long, a leopardess in a blue pantsuit with short sleeves entered. She said, “Splendid, you’re awake.”
Sid, suddenly panicked, demanded, “How long have I bin ‘ere? Whot time is it? Can my parents afford this care?”
The leopardess approached, speaking, “Calm down, sweetie”-
Sid interrupted, “Please, don’t. Only my mum should be allowed ta coll me that.”
The nurse placed a band around the gorilla’s upper arm, continuing, “Your parents ‘ave bin contacted; their health insurance will cover treatment of yer injury. It’s only noon. Yeh’ve bin ‘ere fer only sixteen hours.” She made out a sigh from the gorilla. That made the task a little easier, when she watched the dial attached to the cuff. She added, “Yer blood pressure is average.”
Sid looked around. He already knew that he wore a hospital gown. He apparently needed a catheter, too. He asked, “You know whot happened t-me, right? Give it to me straight: whot did I suffer from?”
“The blunt impact caused a minor linear skull fracture. You sustain no brain damage. You didn’t lose much blood. Neither did you get swelling or infections. You needed three stitches, though. Oll you need is to rest. The fracture will still take five to seven weeks to fully heal.”
Sid looked down sadly. He never thought that he was close to death after turning eighteen. He already had regrets. His accident would call for living life to the fullest, but he didn’t know how to do that. He just felt stupid for not wearing protective gear while skating.
The young ape’s thoughts were quickly interrupted by the nurse speaking, “Yer friends will be pleased ta know of yer recovery.”
“Friends? They’re too busy to be here.”
“Well, a pair of young men ‘ave been in the waiting room olmost as long as y-were ‘ere.”
Now, Sid was confused. The only ones he could think of that wanted to know that he made it, were the first responders getting him to this hospital.
Again, Sid didn’t need to wonder for long. The leopardess returned, accompanied by a green-eyed reindeer wearing only a vest and shorts, and a cat wearing only jeans and running shoes. The young ape’s attention was on the former. Right there and then, he put it together. He spoke, “It’s you!”
The nurse had to chuckle at the reaction. She advised, “Please, don’t take long. The doctors recommend to let ‘im rest.” She then departed.
The duo approached the hospital bed. Harley stated, “The paramedics were kind enough to let us ride with them. We wanted to know if you were okay.”
Sid sighed, “I wish I were. I am a nobody and could ‘ave died last night because of my own idiocy.”
Harley objected, “Don’ beat yerself up over it. We oll make mistakes.”
“But not fatal ones.”
The duo looked at each other before facing Sid boldly. The reindeer closed in on him. He said, “Let me tell you the same line that got my friend and me to be daring: One life to live; one chance to experience.” Pause. Sid took that in, being reminded of his dream. So, Raman added, “We learned that from a graduate from last year. He made a bucket list full of unique goals, which I think entwines with him further exploring his studies.”
Sid replied, “You were by my side until I passed out. I wish I knew how to repay you.”
Harley weighed in, “Just keep being yerself.”
Sid turned away in shame. He thought that he could make friends, but he still didn’t know how to. He might have forgotten how he made friends with his classmates. Then, Raman nudged with, “You could just hang with us.” Sid was too surprised to pick one of the many answers running in his head.
Harley added, “You look cool. So, why not look cool around us?”
Finally, the young ape faced the pair. He answered, “I’d like that.” He added hastily, “As soon as I’ve fully healed, though.”
The duo was thrilled that they had a chance to become a trio. Raman inquired, “Now, if I may ask, how did you end up like that?”
“Poor judgment coll”, Sid explained. “The skateboard that I used came cheap. So, it wasn’t built for the surface on which it rolled. I guess I worked the wheels too much, because a rear one broke off. I lost my balance and fell backwards.”
“I see”, Raman murmured. He then spoke up, “I hope it doesn’t discourage you from skating. A mistake, yes, but you could learn from it.”
Sid agreed on that, though he didn’t say so. He stated, “I wanna get better at it. I suppose I need only the proper protection. I’ve olready bin saving to buy a board with higher quality.”
Raman asked, “So, do you do stunts?”
“I’m still a beginner”, the young ape answered. “I can do ollies, but not much else.”
Harley interjected, “I hope to see you in action when yeh’re ready.”
They couldn’t talk much longer, for the door seemed to burst open, and they were greeted by two gorillas. The male wore a grey business suit over a pale-blue shirt and a neon-blue tie. The female wore a beige blazer, matching slacks, and a buttercup work shirt. The male was the one to yell, “Sid!” The couple sped toward him, shoving Raman and Harley out of the way. The duo could laugh to each other, for the couple’s voices overlapped, asking Sid about his injury. However, they were glad to see that their one son survived an ordeal.
-----
The next six weeks made for another hurdle. Though Sid was released a mere day after being told of his fracture, he needed to take it easy. The doctors tasked with him merely recommended a pain medication, for Sid had a chance of migraines at worst. He was safe to stay in his own place, though his parents insisted that he stay with them. As he proved, there was no disturbing news. The young ape recovered from his fracture, and he would be fine enough to attend his classes.
Those six weeks seemed to go by without difference. An X-ray showed how well his skull mended, and all possible pain went away. Sid waited until that before he would try skateboarding again. His new acquaintances had his cell number, and he had theirs. So, he saw an opportunity.
As much as Sid loved the array of ramps and tracks among a lush green field, the place came off to him as meant for professionals. That didn’t stop him from paying the entry fee and entering, wearing his leather and jeans. He had bought a new skateboard of higher quality, and brought a helmet and wrist pads along to be safe.
As if the young ape were a kid at a candy store, he was indecisive about where to start. As much as he wanted to ride the ramps, he thought that he wasn’t ready. However, a question of his would be answered with the presence of a particular figure. At a triple ramp surrounded by the grass, Sid approached a cheetah that he knew was ten years his senior. The young ape was correct about his hunch; that cheetah was one of few furs outside of college that got him into skateboarding. The spotted feline greeted Sid as if they were bros. That was where Sid started: he requested a lesson in doing a nose ollie. His mentor was happy to do so.
So, Sid watched the cheetah closely in providing the steps. Sid remembered to don his helmet and wrist pads before getting on his board. A nose ollie came off as easy, for it came off as a reverse. Sid still needed work on his footing, given his large primate feet. So, he paid close attention to that part. His mentor had been amazingly patient as he tried again and again for a nose ollie until succeeding. Sid then watched the cheetah’s crew ride the ramps, performing tricks. As it turned out, the other young adults were taught by the same cheetah, and he rated their motions. Sid had to be insisted to try the ramps himself. So, he did. The young ape performed nothing special, being a novice, but he received a lot of encouragement. How content the gorilla was, always moving, and the air rushing past him. This would be how he wanted to take risks and keep trying new things.
It was really an hour after boarding and watching, Sid found the duo that he had met through his incident. They settled just on what they thought was a bench, only for Sid to announce, “They’re yelling fer you ta move fer a reason.”
The reindeer and tabby stood up. They were happy to see the gorilla holding up, but were confused about the statement. He added, “I know an area where you won’t be obstacles.” The duo followed the young ape to an opening in the field, where nobody would bother them about being in their way.
The tabby stated, “I still like this park.” He presented a pack of cigarettes, one cigarette already in his mouth. Only out of politeness, Sid took one.
The reindeer asked, “Want some beer, too?” Sid quietly took a can from a six-pack.
The tabby had already lit his cigarette, and the reindeer passed the lighter to Sid. A big tip-off was that Sid coughed and stuck his tongue out upon first puffing the cigarette.
Raman said, “Don’ feel too bad about that.”
Harley added, “You better pace yerself with the beer, too.” Sid couldn’t get the first swig down without cringing.
Raman asked, “So, tell us about yourself, Sid. Whot’re you studying?”
Sid explained, “I’m taking a general arts course. I thought that I could draw. So, I wanted to learn the techniques and styles. As much as I wanna draw my own interpretations using styles of famous artists, I feel forced to wait.”
Raman agreed, “I feel that.”
Harley added, “Raman and I are both studying music. It, too, is harder than you think. We both want to learn to play an instrument.”
Sid took a swig from the beer can, and he still grimaced at its taste. He then orated, “My biggest problem is that I have to make notes and write essays a lot more than I draw.”
Raman concurred, “We got the same problem. We expected advanced classes on playing instruments and writing sheets. Instead, we need ta write reports.”
Harley weighed in, “The music classes are how we met and became friends. We bin hanging since the year started.”
Sid sipped from the can, and then asked, “If you two intend to play instruments, why smoke and drink?”
Harley was the one to answer, “Because we’ll never get another chance. When y-want to do something, y-should do it whilst you can.”
Raman said, looking to the horizon now orange from the sunset, “One life to live; one chance to experience.”
Sid suggested, “You should think bigger. I would, only to back out.” He emphasised, “I don’ wanna back out on whot we might have.”
Raman turned to him, looking radiant, and reminding Sid of his dream. The reindeer said, “You won’t have to do things alone. If you ever want to show whot stunts y-master, I would love to watch.” That sounded even bigger to the young ape. He added, “Now, listen. My eighteenth birthday is next week. I know it hasn’t bin long, but”-
Sid interrupted, “I’d like that.”
Raman smiled at that. So, he went into detail about what they could do together. Sid didn’t really care. No matter Raman’s intentions, Sid just wanted to be his company. He looked forward to hanging around with these two figures time and again.
