27 Up, Not Out.
Chapter 1. A hazy early morning sun shone its light on the small group of high schoolers assembled in front of the old, abandoned warehouse. They were all wearing black and carrying backpacks, an unlikely sight for so early in the morning. Jack, a middle-aged man who had been walking by, stopped and stared at the strange gathering. He knew what they were up to and he felt an odd sense of responsibility towards them.
Jack had a special understanding of these young people because he himself was a member of the 27 Club—a group of famous musicians and artists who had died at the age of 27. Jack was 28 now but his Cotards delusion caused him to believe that he was still 27 and that he was still part of this exclusive club. He knew that these young people were trying to follow in his footsteps, but he also knew that it could end tragically for them if they weren’t careful. He approached them cautiously, not wanting to startle them and cause any trouble.
He called out to them softly, asking what they were doing there so early in the morning. The kids looked surprised at first but then one bravely stepped forward and explained their plan—they wanted to join the 27 Club like Jack did and they wanted him to help guide them along their journey. Jack felt a mix of emotions—on one hand he was touched that they had such admiration for him, but on the other he felt deeply saddened by their decision.
He wished he could tell them that there was no need for such drastic measures; life could be beautiful if only they would open their eyes to see it! So instead of giving them a lecture or trying to talk them out of it, Jack decided to offer his support instead. He told them stories about his own experiences as a member of the 27 Club and shared some tips on how to stay safe while pursuing their dreams—from getting enough sleep each night to eating healthy meals regularly.
Then, after answering all their questions, Jack made sure each one promised him that they would take care of themselves before bidding farewell with a hug each time around. As Jack walked away from the warehouse with a heavy heart full of sadness and hope, he couldn't help but feel proud knowing that although these kids wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves, they also valued life enough not to rush into it blindly. In this way “27 Up Not Out” became more than just another story; it became a reminder for everyone out there who is struggling with difficult choices: No matter what age you are or where you come from, life is always worth living!
The END
