The Trouble With Charlie

by Kenneth Preston

I run until I have nothing left, until my skinny legs feel like rubber and I’m afraid that they won’t be able to hold me up anymore. When I bend over to catch my breath, I realize I’m sobbing, making it that much more difficult to catch my breath.

“Of course I knew that,” I say. “He used to jump from place to place. He started flying in the old Max Fleischer cartoons because it was easier on the animators. For someone who's not into Superman, you sure know a lot about Superman."

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme emotional highs and lows, according to some quick research I did on the internet. The highs―mania or hypomania―are characterized by symptoms such as an abnormal increase in energy and feelings of euphoria. The lows are characterized by symptoms such as depression and thoughts of suicide.

Sam is gone, and I’m all alone. I really wanted him to stay, but I put him through enough today. I guess I’ll just have to take care of this mess all by myself. Not that Sam could have helped me with the mess. I just wanted his company. I don’t want to do this alone. I don’t want to face it alone.

I stand numbly by as Charlie answers a series of questions. According to Detective Ryan, Travis Burke has been missing for ten days. The police suspect foul play, and Detective Ryan is talking to Charlie as if he’s a potential person of interest in the case.

I wander the streets, knowing where I am but lost all the same because I don't know where to go or what to do. Bonnie was my last best hope, but she didn't help. She made the situation worse. I didn't think that was possible, but apparently, this situation has no bottom. I just keep falling and falling and falling.