The Myth of the Fall

ISAAC'S POV

1st September '22, 9:12 a.m.

The phone flies out of my hand but I can't process its consequences over the raging pain of my back hitting the floor. Just perfect. Humans have an unusual tendency to multi-task which is quite similar to rewriting a code while the programme is running. Not practical.

Which brings me to the point that why the hell did the person I bumped into was walking so blindly?

You were too.

I have reasons.

No, you don't.

This has to be a new low for me, fighting my subconscious self? Is this what the world has come to? Oh God- I'm brought back to reality with a harsh sting to my left cheek. Ouch, that hurts.

"Shit! Sorry, I didn't know what to do," a soft feminine voice rambled, "I was afraid that you had some brain damage. That was-" sounds familiar "-quite a fall, Izzy." Izzy. I hesitantly lifted my eyes from the floor, meeting the gaze of the darker ones.

As our gazes held, I felt a tide of bittersweet emotions washing over me. The shadows of past regrets, a narrative of mistakes made and the ache of lessons learned moments too late. "Too late, Baker." I accepted her outstretched hand and rose to my feet. As I did so, my vision blurred, the world around me transforming into a hazy, indistinct montage. The ground seemed to tilt beneath my feet, betraying my sense of balance.

"I can see why," her voice, though concerned, carries playfulness. I reach out, my fingers finding hers, already waiting for mine, and the warmth of her touch guides me. "I... I don't know what happened," I admit, attempting to make sense of the dizziness that still lingers.

That was quite unexpected.

One of her hands supports my back while the other holds my hand. She helps me sit down on one of the benches, adorned with plush upholstery, in the hallway of the academy.

"Drink this." Alayna hands me her water bottle which was also a victim of the great fall. Thank god, my throat's parched. Just as my lips are about to touch the bottle, her stern voice interjects, "Slowly and in sips." I try to suppress a snort at her words since I have no intention of choking on water or have her strangle me. I shut my eyes close in an effort to gain my vision back.

As soon as the ringing in my ears subsides, I hear her movements in the corridor. Even though I can't see, I'll bet her name in the Hall of Fame that she's picking up other victims of the fall. Namely, her books, stationary and ID-Card. "Hey, you okay Densetsu?" I curse my luck at the raucous voice of Caleb. I hear no reply from her, so I gladly assume that she nodded. "Has he passed out?" So, now he cares about me?

"Passed out? No. That is his very poor disguise for eavesdropping." That hurts, Baker. What if I was dying or something? "Let me help you with that while you elaborate." How charming, Caleb. Want to be my Prince Charming as well?

"Orthostatic hypotension." It's overstimulating hearing two easily understandable words combine to form a non-understandable one. Caleb's deep sigh is enough of a sign for Alayna to elucidate. For someone with enough brain for hidden agendas as him, he should understand such terms easily yet who am I to complain? My biology is as good as his. Literally.

"It is a condition characterised by a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. This drop in blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and, in some cases, blurred vision-" I gradually open my eyes to see Caleb listening to her with apt attention. Well if the shoe fits, it fits.