Eternal Dose by Mike N. Stevens - HTML preview

Chapter 5

December 21 ,2023



"Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place." — Sarah Dessen

Ethan's obsession with the mysterious pills grew stronger with each passing day. The brief reunions with Liam had given him a taste of the happiness he had lost, and he was desperate to experience it again. He couldn't stop thinking about the vibrant colors, the warmth of Liam's touch, and the sound of his laughter. It was as if the pills had become his lifeline, the only thing keeping him from drowning in his grief.

He spent his days searching for any clue about the source of the pills, but there was nothing. No return address, no sender information, nothing to indicate where they had come from. The questions swirled in his mind, but there were no answers.

One night, unable to bear the pain any longer, Ethan took another pill. He lay down on his bed, closing his eyes and waiting for the familiar sensation to wash over him.

A month had passed, and Ethan had been taking the pill nightly. Each time, he was reunited with Liam in the dream-like realm, and each time, the experience felt more real and more precious. But with each passing day, Ethan's physical condition worsened. His skin grew pale and sallow, dark circles formed under his eyes, and he felt a constant fatigue that he couldn't shake.

He tried to ignore the changes, focusing instead on the time he spent with Liam. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to deny that something was seriously wrong. His friends and family noticed the changes too, and they grew more concerned with each passing day.

One evening, after taking yet another pill, Ethan found himself back in the dream-like realm with Liam. They spent the day together, talking and laughing, but Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

"Liam, something's happening to me," Ethan said, his voice filled with worry. "My skin... it's changing. I feel so weak all the time."

Liam looked at him with concern. "Ethan, you need to be careful. These pills... they might be doing more harm than good."

"But I can't stop," Ethan replied, his voice desperate. "I need to see you. I can't live without you."

Liam sighed, his expression pained. "I know, Ethan. But you have to take care of yourself. I don't want to lose you again."

Ethan nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his dilemma. He knew that Liam was right, but the thought of giving up the pills, of losing Liam again, was unbearable.

As the day came to an end, Ethan felt the familiar sensation of being pulled away. He clung to Liam, tears streaming down his face. "I don't want to leave you."

"I know," Liam said gently. "But we'll see each other again. I promise."

With those words, Ethan's vision went dark, and he felt himself falling into unconsciousness.