I Love You, I'm Sorry

I Went Back In Time

*April 18th 2024*
*Lucy's pov*

What happens when a bright shining star dies? A black whole is born, where something brilliant and strong suddenly vanishes leaving ripples across space and time, unfortunately, this sounds a lot like my life.

I heard my phone ring and I looked down to see I got an email internship at NASA.

"Yes" I said excitedly, rushing to school, I had to tell Mr. Fleming

I'm applying to the 2024 NASA internship program, because sometimes it feels like my life is a black hole.

On April 15th 2003 the sweetly slasher went on a 4 day killing spree, 5 teenagers were murdered, including my sister

Even though it was over 20 years ago, tragedy still hangs over this town, and every year on the anniversary of their deaths I'm reminded that one single moment in time can change everything.

The past over shadows my future and I'm not sure where I fit in. I wanna try to understand the darkest parts of the universe, and where I belong in it.

Once I got to school I rushed into Mr. Fleming's room, eager to share my news.

"Morning," he greeted, a warm smile on his face.

"Morning!" I replied, beaming and showing him the email on my phone.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, high-fiving me. "I knew NASA would take you! What'd your parents say?"

My smile faltered. I didn't answer.

His excitement deflated. "You didn't tell them?"

"Mr. Fleming, I *can't* tell them," I whispered, "Not today, of all days."

His expression softened with understanding. "Your sister...was my student, too," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "This day can't be easy for you."

"I didn't even *know* her," I blurted out, the familiar ache resonating in my chest. "Besides, it's not like my parents will let me go to DC for three months. They barely let me leave the house after dark."

"Oh, come on," he said gently, "They might surprise you."

I gave him a look that clearly conveyed my doubt. My gaze drifted to the class pet, a turtle named Mr. Pickles, residing in a small, plastic container. "How long has Mr. Pickles been in this box?" I asked, a strange connection forming with the seemingly stagnant creature.

He chuckled. "Let me think... Twenty years."

"I feel your pain, Pickles," I murmured.

Mr. Fleming's eyes held a mixture of sadness and encouragement. "Hey, Lucy," he said softly, "Don't let your life just happen to you...take control of your future."

The bell rang, jolting me back to reality. I trudged to my locker, the weight of his words settling heavily in my mind.  As I grabbed my books, I overheard a conversation between two girls.

"Five kids killed in four days," one girl said, her voice hushed. "And they never even caught the guy."

"Yeah, it's like a horror movie," the other girl replied.

"We should seriously start a podcast," the first girl suggested.

"I don't know," the second girl hesitated. "They're never gonna catch the killer. It's been 20 years. Wait, how did they die again?"

"I think the first one got killed at that old bowling alley," the first girl said uncertainly. "And two of them were killed at the mall."

"Ew, malls," the second girl shuddered, walking away with her friend.