Rick, Nick, and Jay had been inseparable since high school. Now in their early twenties, life had pushed them in different directions. Nick struggled with personal demons—a recent breakup, family fights, the pressure of a job he hated. Rick had always been his voice of reason, and Jay the quiet listener.
One evening, the three met at an old hangout spot by the riverside. The conversation turned tense. Rick confronted Nick about his reckless behavior, hoping to shake some sense into him. Nick, already on edge, lashed out.
"You think you're better than me? Always judging, always acting perfect!"
"I'm trying to help you, Nick! But you keep pushing everyone away."
In a flash of rage, Nick shoved Rick.
A crack.
Rick stumbled back, slipped, and hit his head on a rock.
Silence.
Rick didn't move.
Nick fell to his knees, screaming his name. Blood soaked the grass beneath Rick's head.
Shaking, he pulled out his phone. He called Jay.