Don't Forget Me

Chapter Two

I like to stand in the park at night, especially during the winter. I can feel the cold breeze blowing through my hair and my scarf. People walking by me either don't notice me or talk amongst themselves.

"Mommy, she's scary."

"Hush child, don't say that," a woman responded.
There was a long pause before she said, "Sweetie, what are you talking about?"

I shifted my eyes to their direction. The mother flinched, as her kid dashed behind her. I tried not to think too hard about the fact that only the little kid noticed me, and not the mom. At least I got attention, even if it was negative.

"Honey, be careful on your way home!"

"Don't worry, darling!"

I end up tuning them all out. White flakes of snow started drifting from the dark, cloudy sky. I guess it's time to go home, to the place where I die.

I exited the park's gateway, making sure to enjoy the powdery snow that fell beside me. I stuck my palm out, and a cold white speck floated onto it.

How did I not realize that my hands are freaking ice packs?!

Patting my empty coat pockets in front of the park's iron gate made me look like a fool to the passerby around me.

Hold on a second, is that some woolly, knit fabric to slide over my frozen hands? Wait for it... Oh my gosh...

Oh. Great. I forgot my gloves. I dropped my jaw in realization that I'm not only suffering from anxiety, but from frostbite as well. What's worse, my jacket had a big rip in it, from some kid who "accidentally" cut it with scissors while I was asleep in class again.

"Here. Take my coat." Dylan offered.

Huh? Where was he?

He was putting it on some old lady who was crossing the street.

Of course. Was I really that naïve to think that he offered a coat to me?
He lives in an apartment building a few blocks over. I've seen him going in and out of the place.

"Alright, let me escort you across, ma'am."

I wonder what he was doing all the way over here?

"Have a good night." he says.

Before I die from freezing to death, I'd better go home. I guess I won't find out tonight.