Back in the city, I’m here to remember my older sister.
It had been an accident, a drop of poison in this cup when it should have been in that cup. And because it was just a drop, my oh, so beautiful sister died a slow, painful death.
I received no compensation for her passing, after all, it was my fault. But still, it was the Enforcers who told me to take a vial of poison and put it in any cup at all. Why did I trust them to tell me what to do? Why didn't I figure it out myself? Then I could have made myself feel a little better.
Deep in the East Side where the poor do their drudgery and the death rates are high is a small dirt lot overfilled with crumbling headstones and weeds. Some have nothing on them, one of the newer ones features only a crudely carved name reading:
Meritha Teronne
I step carefully through the half-hearted graveyard to reach my sister's grave, the hard, cold stone only reaching knee-height. Kneeling in front of it, I close my eyes regretfully and wish I could go back in time. Back to before Meritha's poisoning.
Several moments pass, me crouching there by the grave, a silent stillness dappling the atmosphere. If nothing happens, I will just go home and try to forget the past. If something does happen though, only time can lead me on what to do.
It happens.
A faint woman with a swirling blue gown and glowing green eyes suddenly appears before me. Familiarity pricks through my mind as I watch my past teacher's face take shape, ghostly lips parted in speech.
Out of a gray gloom she floats, her gown sagging to brush against the ground. When she motions me closer I obey, slowly moving to stand just inches away from her pale face.
“Aelise,” she says in a high ghostly voice.
“Yes, teacher?"
“I know you so well, Aelise . . . you wish for another chance.” she continues breezily, head slightly tilted as if waiting for confirmation of what she already knows. With a nod from me a wind blows from nowhere, whisking her away. As if in a dream several gravestones evaporate, and the sky brightens just a bit.
My watch too, has gone back; 12:59 P.M. September the 38th. Realizing my chance, I get up and run to the small restaurant where my sister should be sitting now. Inside, I spot her with a menu, ordering a blackberry peach tea. Walking closer to her table, I pull the knife I always carry on me out, flipping it nervously in my hand.
At the moment, no one is looking, so I step out and take a quick slash at Meritha's throat. Purple-tinged blood flows out, pooling on the white tablecloth. My sister's head lolls back, white-pupiled eyes gazing up to the ceiling. Quickly receding into the nearby shadows, I escape through a back window and deep into the maze-like city before anybody notices. Frightened screams travel towards me, barely muffled by the restaurant's walls.
Purple-tinged blood and white eyes . . . the idiotic girl. What has she done to our family's genetic line? She is supposed to be normal, like me. Smooth black hair and dark eyes, a pale to creamy complexion and a slim face.
As I continue walking away, a drizzling rain starts to fall. Meritha is dead, things have been set right. A heavy weight frees itself from my shoulders upon the congratulatory knowledge that my sister has gotten what she gave. And although she was destined to die at the hands of me, I never wanted it to be by accident. Thank you, teacher. Revenge is sweet.
