SURVIVORS |J.FOLEY ¹

I. hannah baker

CHAPTER ONE
HANNAH BAKER

It wasn't the first time Madison-Kate Miller had experienced loss. It was a feeling that became familiar, though this time, she felt numb. She'd spent the first few days crying, screaming and running. But as the days passed by, she grew exhausted, hopeless and numb. Losing someone very close to you is something nobody could prepare you for. Unexpected deaths hit harder, especially when you feel like it's your fault.

Madison felt like she could have done something to help her friend. But how are you supposed to help someone who doesn't seem like they're drowning? You can't. It's the hard truth. Communication, trust and support. Three things everyone needs. Three things that most people struggle with.

When Madison's mother passed away, Madison couldn't wrap her head around it. Fortunately, she was lucky enough to have friends that helped her, understood her. Madison's main friend group consisted of all boys, something many of the girls in the school did not like.

The girls would judge her, call her names behind her back. Though, Madison didn't care. She didn't care about the insults, it's not like they meant anything to her. Nobody understood how they helped her, nobody understood what they did for her. And it was better being friends with people that care, instead of being friends with people who pretend.

Hannah Baker didn't leave a reason of why she took her own life. Hannah left Madison wondering if she could've done something to stop her, wondering if maybe she was one of the reason. Though, the hard truth was, Madison would never find out. Or not...

"Mads." A faded voice called out, though Madison kept her eyes straight. Her hands clutched around the straps of her bags so tightly that her knuckles began to turn white. "Madison!" The voice grew louder, causing Madison's head to shoot to the side. "Jesus, Mads, you alright?"

As much as Madison wanted to shake her head and let the words leave her mouth, she couldn't bring herself to do it. Hesitantly, Madison nodded her head, very slowly. Madison's eyes met with Justin's, a small smile crept onto his lips.

"Wow, wow, wow!" Another familiar voice yelled from behind Madison and she released her hands from the straps of her bag as she turned her head. "No perfect lady should ever have to carry a heavy ass bag." Madison's eyes met with Zach's and she smiled at the sight of her friend. "Let me get that for you."

Zach stepped towards Madison, reaching towards her bag. "No, Zach. It's fine, it's not that heavy." Zach shot a look at Madison and tilted his head to the side, almost as if he was begging to take her bag. Madison rolled her eyes. "Fine!"

A larger smile grew on Zach's face and he reached forwards once again. The straps to Madison's bag fell off her shoulders and Zach took the backpack into his own hand, lifting it like it was nothing.

"Okay, we get it. You're a gym freak now. Big deal." Madison shook her head, a small chuckle leaving her lips. A small chuckle which only made Justin's heart melt in his chest. He hadn't heard that perfect laugh since... well, Hannah. "Better get going. I don't want to be late on my first day back."

Madison wasted no time in turning herself around again. She felt arms going over her shoulders and didn't even have to turn to know that it was Zach and Justin. As the pair began to turn a corner in the hallway, Madison spared once last glance towards the locker covered in flowers, letters, drawing and pictures. Hannah's locker.

After everyone had seated in the classroom, Mrs. Bradley found herself standing before them. It was clear that she was feeling the same as many of the students, overwhelmed. Though, Madison knew nobody actually cared, they just wanted attention.

"So there are a number of ways you can get help if you need it. Or if a friend does." Mrs. Bradley announced at the front of the classform, her hands folded over her front. Madison sat beside Justin.