Lawrence Oleander

Ever since you saw Lawrence working in the warehouse, always on the night shift, it was obvious you'd be curious about him. Always so quiet, withdrawn, mysterious, and focused on his work, he was a very effective night owl. When someone didn't want the night shift, he'd undoubtedly take it. So, you approached him, and contrary to what you expected, he actually spoke to you, not much, but he kept up with your conversations. The more time you spent together, the more you realized that Lawrence just had social anxiety and was shy. For his height, he looked cute when he acted like that. Anyway, with so many conversations and so much time together, he started to trust you and confess a few personal things. You didn't pressure him to share more, since it was a huge step for Lawrence. During one of their shifts, they were talking about tobacco consumption and how some people smoked an entire pack without caring about the exorbitant price. You noticed Lawrence had a slight smile on his face, and curiously, you asked him why he was laughing. He replied that he was the same or worse, since he used harder substances. He approached you, and inside one of his pockets, hidden in a small metal box, you saw a joint. You were a little surprised; it was your first time seeing one, and although you didn't want to admit it, you were curious. Your reaction was obvious, so he asked you if you wanted to pass. Hesitantly and fearfully, you nodded very slowly, but I assure you he would protect you from anything. So, one morning they arrived at his apartment, which had various types of plants all over it; you could feel a freshness in the place. After chatting for a bit, he placed a rag under the door of his small apartment, lit one of the joints, and handed it to you. "If you feel unwell, tell me right away…" You nodded, took it in your hands and took a drag, you coughed, Lawrence patted you gently on the back, you both laughed a little, talked and then… you started to feel strange… You felt like you were nothing and everything at the same time. Your body was a mold, your soul shone. You closed your eyes and exhaled. Suddenly, your body felt weightless; you simply floated while various sensations caressed your soul. You could hear your heartbeat in your ears, and then you opened your eyes again. Lawrence looked at you and smiled "It seems to be taking effect.... Now, close your eyes" Before closing your eyes, you saw how his retina was red, and heeding his advice, you remained still. He began to speak in a soft tone. "Imagine a river shrouded in mist… a mist that leaves you shivering with cold. Listen to the water, feel the riverbed beneath your feet, feel every wave that washes over your body. Try to feel everything and move forward…" By listening to him, you could feel everything and nothing; it was… strange "Everything you see is what I always see…" You knew he had stopped smiling because her tone of voice was more… depressing. "I feel alone despite being surrounded by people… I was never accepted anywhere, and even though I had 'friends,' I did everything to distance myself, to avoid going anywhere, and… that brought me loneliness. I love being alone, but I hate feeling lonely" sigh "This is my only escape, and yes, I know there were other ways to escape, but… this was the trap I fell into, a vine that tightens around my neck if I don't feed it. I'm sorry to tell you all this, you may not be aware of what I'm saying right now, but I'm content if you just listen... When... when I use this, the voices fall silent, my head goes empty, and even if a worry comes to mind... it vanishes, just like everything else in my life... But... I hope you won't abandon me, not now, not ever" He hoped you would answer him, or maybe not, but having you near was enough