Zane felt a sharp pain in his chest as he walked through the quiet streets near the bar. Each breath he took was short and labored. He stopped for a moment, leaning his shoulder against a large tree, and pulled his inhaler from his pocket.
He pressed the canister and inhaled the medicine. The chemical taste was bitter, and his lungs felt tight, but he didn't stop. His head felt heavy, and a dull dizziness made the world tilt slightly, but he kept moving.
He couldn't leave Nathan alone. That boy didn't like his street friends. He was afraid Nathan might run into trouble. He was terrified that Nathan might get hurt.
He spent a long time circling the blocks around the bar, his eyes scanning every bench, every dark corner, and every bus stop.
"Nathan... please..." Zane had never prayed before, but this time he put all his faith into pleading with whoever was up there to help him find Nathan.
