In Charlotte's Eyes

ONE: [P] Man in the Graveyard

Parker gaped at Suzuki, taking a step back. “Suzuki- you- you can't be serious?”

“It is appalling that you aren't rotting in jail already, as it is. It is unbelievable you haven't been tried and convicted.” He threateningly held the knife towards Parker. “IT WAS UNDOUBTEDLY YOU!”

Parker was at a loss for words. He choked up.

“Crazy, isn't it? I'm about to throw my life away because my friend betrayed my trust.” He glared him dead in the eyes. “I'm sure you thought the same that night you killed Charlotte.”

Was there any escaping this situation?

“But you got away with it. I don't know how, but you did.”

Parker sighed deeply. If this is where fate led him, then this was a fitting place to die. “..If you wanted to do this, why did you wait so long?” He asked, showing no hints of resistance.

“...”

Parker stared, deadpan. “...”

“..I couldn't believe you were a murderer, despite my accusations. If I had, I would have assaulted you then and there.” He stayed in a ready stance.

“Will this make up for her death, in your eyes?”

His furrowed brows faltered for a split second. Through grit teeth, he replied, “Yes. This world believes in eye for an eye. You haven't lost yours, yet.”

Parker imagined what it would be like to lose an eye. “..Who was she to you, Suzuki?”

The shuriken snarled at him. “What kind of question is that? We both know. She was my best friend for life. A reliable person I could trust with my life.”

Stern faced, Parker blinked. “..Did you love her as much as I did?”

“Like you loved her at all..!”

“Did you love her so hard you wanted to be her boyfriend?” He paused, watching Suzuki’s eyes widen with confusion and disbelief. “Did you love her so hard, you were willing to put up with her antics, just for a chance that she would take you seriously?”

“...”

“Did she mean everything to you?”

Suzuki stared at him, the knife still threatening him. “...” The blade shimmered.

He nodded. “We’d both throw away our lives if we believed it'd bring Charlotte peace, right?”

He held out the blade farther, eyes slimming. “Of course I would.”

“Then do it.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...”

The two stared at each other for a long time, and it gave Parker time to reconsider his offer. He began feeling terrified. Of the pain, the people he'd leave behind, the things he'd leave unfinished. He began trembling, but didn't move from his spot, keeping a keen eye on Suzuki, ready to flee at a moment’s notice.

After what felt like forever, Suzuki sighed through his nose, gently bringing his hand to the dull side of the blade, and pushing it back into its place. “Speak of this to no one.”

Relief. Parker felt exhausted.

Suzuki turned away, glancing at Parker. “Goodbye, Parker. I hope we never meet again.”

He peacefully walked away.

Parker watched until he was out of sight. The sun was still out. Afterwards, he turned his sights to Charlotte’s grave. He stepped closer, gazing longingly then pensively.

Then he started talking.