How I "Died"

Chapter 8

A week later

I’d gotten a letter from my mom. I hadn’t opened it yet. I promised John I would after he got back from shopping. I was so eager to open it, I couldn’t wait!

John got back pretty quickly and I immediately opened my letter. It said:

“Hey Tay,

            Honestly, I figured you were still alive. I never gave up hope! We’ve all missed you dearly! I don’t know if you saw our news reports, but the town has gone crazy! Please come back! You’re truly missed! I miss my daughter, my friend and most importantly the happiness of our family. Taylor please come back! I’m leaving the decision up to you, as long as your happy, that’s all that matters. At least come back to take the rest of your stuff and say goodbye! I love you!

Xoxo,

Mommy <3

I dropped the letter and started bawling. My eyes were immediately swelled and covered in tears. Why was I doing this? Why did I leave my family? They love me! I guess I just never noticed how loved I was. I had to go back home. That’s my family and where I belonged.

I continued bawling while I packed up my suitcase. My warm, salty tears dripped down my face onto the old wooden floor of the tree house. I don’t think I’d ever want to come back here after all I’ve done. It’s amazing how something so good could become so bad in such a short time.

December 16th, 2012

Tonight was my last night at the tree house. Tomorrow morning I planned to wake up early and head back to my house. Home is where the heart is; and I’d finally figured that out.

I woke up early the next morning as planned and said my final goodbyes to the tree house and John. We had promised to stay in contact. I’d miss him. He’d helped me get through this and encouraged me to go back home.

A few hours later

It was 3 PM. I’d finally reached my house. It still looked the same although now the neighborhood was more lively. Hopefully the news had gotten out that I was alive. A few memorials still sat in front of my house. Although now they were faded. Shredded ribbons hung from baskets, wilted flowers slouched and teddy bears with matted down hair laid across the sidewalk. I guess my family had been too lazy to remove them.

I slowly walked to the door. Scared to see my family’s reaction. I would hope I’d be greeted with hugs and kisses, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if they were mad at me for leaving them for over a year.

I reached the door and hesitated when I stuck out my finger to ring the doorbell. I finally got the courage to ring the doorbell and I cringed as my finger pushed harshly on the button. I listed to the “Ding, dong” and took a big gulp. I saw a light in the entrance flick on and I heard the sounds of someone walking to the door. I closed my eyes as I heard the door handle turn.