sweet and salty

Chapter 3

september 23, 1978

Josephine had been reported missing a week ago today, but she was last seen 9 days ago. Everyone still had their hopes she was somewhere out there, unhurt, but the chances were slim.

As I was walking to school, I heard someone running up behind me. It was Esther. Not only was she out of breath from running, but she looked pale. She looked sick. I was gonna ask if she felt okay, but just as I started to speak, she collapsed. I caught her and gently layed her down on the grass next to the sidewalk. An older lady who was walking behind us saw, and came running over. We were in front of someone's house, so the lady asked me to go knock on their door and ask to use their phone. So I did.
A lady about 25 answered and let me use her phone.
I frantically dialed 9-1-1.
Soon, the ambulance came and collected Esther. I thanked the older lady for helping us, and the young lady that let me use her phone.

I went with Esther in the ambulance even though I had to go to school. I didn't care to be tardy, I wasn't leaving my best friend's side.

After about 30 minutes of being at the hospital, Esther woke up. I started hugging her and telling her how glad I was that she was awake. She was very confused and asked where she was, and why she was there.

I told her, "Well, I was walking to school and you came running up to me. Your face was pale, I thought you were sick. Then you fainted, and now you're here."

I could see it in her eyes, the memories coming back to her. And she told me the last thing I thought she was gonna say.

"I wasn't sick, I was in shock. I had read a newspaper before I left for school. A girl was stabbed to death in the woods on the 14th. She was identified.." she took a pause. "..as Josephine."

I stared at her in disbelief for a good 30 seconds.

I finally got my bearings and was able to mumble an "oh my gosh"