Those in the tavern could see a figure in the corner slouched in his chair. They could see the sadness surrounding him, if not by the tears then by the shaking in his body as he silently sobbed. Those in the tavern could not, however, see what Mike was seeing. A memory. A scar too fresh to be reopened, too painful to touch.
The day his father had died.
...
Mike's family had a special gift. One that traveled through bloodline, generation to generation. Many families had gifts, but very few held the ability to manipulate the magical energy found with in every living thing.
Many people didn't recognize this energy within themselves, as they had very little. Someone without magical powers had barely any magical energy at all, as the universe had no significant plans for them.
Michael hadn't been born with the ability to manipulate this magical energy restorativly. He hadn't had very much magical energy at all, at least compared to the rest of his family. In other words, he was a dud. Expendable. Almost useless.
That was how most of his family saw him. A failure. Michael had been denying those claims his entire life.
His father had been one of the strongest manipulators among his loving family members. He had also been one of the very few that believed in Michael. Really believed in him.
You see, Michael's father could manipulate magical energy to modify time. This required massive amounts of magical energy inside of someone, which only allowed him to use this ability on himself - to see the future, or at least possible futures.
Many of his prophesies came true. Many did not. And so it wasn't a surprise that not many believed him when he claimed all that Michael would become.
Even Michael didn't believe, as he could never have foreseen this unforgettable and life changing day.
...
Mike found himself walking alongside his father. He was a magnificent man, though many thought crazy was a more accurate description.
They were in a narrow cavern. The walls were metallic and reflected the soft yellow glow caused by lanterns placed intermittently along the path.
Michael's father was taller than Mike by a few inches, though Mike was sure he'd catch up within a year. His father had always claimed he never would never see a day when he was shorter than Mike.
Wait.
This feels familiar.
No.
I can't watch this. Not again.
Michael's father looked down at his son, a proud smile lighting his face. "I have been waiting for this day for a very long time, Michael."
Mike looked up at his father quizzically. "What do you mean, father? What's so special about today?"
"Today you wi-"
No!
Stop!
The tunnel disappeared, as well as Michael's father. Mike found himself in a dark place, with no visible light.
Many would call it a miserable place, but Mike was relieved. Even if he was a failure, he couldn't relive those moments.
Because no matter how much he had tried, those wounds couldn't be healed.