Echo's Eyes

Starr's Regret

                                                             DONT PLAY SONG UNTIL INSTRUCTED

  "Shh..." the stranger told her. The stranger pointed at Echo from across the lake. How had she gotten over there so quickly. Starr was about to turn around and ask the stranger what they meant. Then she saw it... Echo stared into some boy's eyes and got on her tip toes because of how short she was compared to him. He leaned in and kissed her. Echo's face turned beet red. For a moment Starr thought it was from embarrassment. But then, somehow she was able to see Echo's eyes turn black. She slapped the boy and pushed him into the water. A beam of light shot out from the water. Just like it did every time somebody died on Galaxia, welcoming them to the soil. Starr gasped. "Sh-She- She killed him..." This time Starr turned around without hesitation to ask the stranger why they brought her here. In the few moments of the light she was able to see the face of the person. "Kayden?" she said.

  Kayden nodded. He pointed at Echo again and whispered in Starr's ear, "Her amulet must be taken." Starr was confused. How did he know? She had so many questions for him. " How do you? Wait no, why does need to be taken?" she asked. Kayden pointed at the lake then at Echo. She was wearing her amulet. When Starr looked over at the lake, the grass around it was a dimmer green than the grass she was kneeling on. "I will see you later." he said and he teleported Starr back home to her kitchen. She quickly sat down on the same stool she was sitting on when Echo left and continued her paperwork. When Echo walked inside she slammed the door and came into the kitchen with her mouth in a perfect line. She would never tell Starr about that man. She didn't need to know.

  "Well you're back early." Starr said. Echo remained silent. This time Starr didn't try to talk to her. After all, she must be in a bad mood after killing someone. Starr thought about Kayden's words. They kept replaying in her head. She would have a talk with Echo some other time. Starr stood unto fix a bowl of Mac 'n' Cheese for Echo. She hummed her favorite song 'Will Bees Fly' by Taylor McShmall while she was cooking. When it was ready, Starr brought it up to Echo. She opened the door to see Echo crying. Starr went up to her. "Look at me." she said. Echo turned her head towards Starr. "I'm a monster!" Echo cried. Starr looked at her doubtfully as she wiped away her tears. "I made you some lunch." Starr said handing her the pasta. Echo took a bite and all of a sudden she relaxed. Starr walked away with a little smile on her face. She knew her potion making skills would come in handy someday.

                                                         A FEW YEARS LATER...

  Echo walked downstairs rubbing her eyes. Starr sat at the table smiling. As soon Echo stood in front of her Starr shouted, "Happy Birthday!" Echo smiled. Every year Starr celebrated the day Echo arrived since Echo couldn't remember the day she was born. Echo was turning 17 this year and Starr was really excited to show Echo the cake she made. Ever since Echo had cried for the first time, Starr has taken up cooking. Echo cried a lot and Starr made a different dish every time. Or she would make mac 'n' cheese, Echo's favorite. The only thing different from normal days and Echo's birthdays were that Echo would wear her amulet on her birthday. Starr worried every time she put on that amulet because of what she saw. Echo never talked about it and in return, Starr never brought it up.

  After eating cake for breakfast Starr asked Echo a long awaited question. "Who did you 'kill' the day Jake asked you out?" Starr asked. Echo had to let it out, she knew Starr was there...  And she knew she would ask someday. She was just hoping it would be able to hide a little longer. "His name was Adam James Haggis. But everyone called him A.J for short. He kissed me and after that he said, Starr can't hide you for long... I slapped him unaware of my strength and accidentally killed him. I wanted to, but I didn't think I actually could. I saw you looking at me and ran away. I was aware of his presence but I was hoping he changed!" Echo blurted. She wiped her forehead and went to get a cup of Cherry Tageria. "Changed?" Starr asked. "Yes. He was my crush before his dark side took over. He used to always wear his braided brown string, which made him evil. Just like how I go evil when angered with my amulet on. Now, will you take my picture before I get mad and turn evil?" Echo said. Starr picked up her phone and captured the perfect picture because when she doesn't Echo rips up her garden...

                                                                  START PLAYING SONG HERE

   Echo saw Kayden outside and waved. He waved back and came inside their house. He walked up to Starr, got down on one knee and asked, "Starr will you make me the happiest man alive, and marry me?" Starr gasped and Echo hid her giggle behind her hand. Kayden gave her a cereal box ring. "Yes... But aren't we a little too young?" Starr asked. Kayden laughed. "I meant in 6 years." he said. Starr hugged him. Then she hugged Echo. "Thank you!" Starr whispered in Echo's ear. Echo nodded and picked up her amulet. She walked outside and slipped her amulet on. "Mother? If you can hear me, I miss you and I hope someday you will send a sign... So I know you really do listen to me." Echo prayed.  She forgot to take off her amulet off and it wasn't visible. After a while her mother sent a sign... Echo walked outside around noon and Starr's flowers died. The grass around her house turned gray. "Starr!" she yelled. Starr ran outside. "What happened?!?!?" Starr screamed. "I don't know!" Echo said. Kayden walked outside and put his hand on Starr's shoulder. "I told you someday you'd have to make this choice." he said. Echo was confused. "Echo... follow me..." Starr barely made out the words as her eyes started to water. She wiped away her own tears and led Echo into a small capsule. "I'm sorry Echo. But I have no choice!" Starr cried. And with that she locked Echo in and mother the words I'm Sorry...  Starr pressed a button and Echo couldn't feel the ground anymore. She screamed some 'words' and pointed at Starr. She sat back and cried knowing she would never have the comfort food Starr gave her again. Starr felt terrible. She ran to Kayden and put her head on hid shoulder. "You did the right thing Starr. Even if it does hurt." he said. Starr nodded and in a whisper she said, "I know..."

    CONTINUE LISTENING TO SONG AND IMAGINE ECHO IN A SMALL CAPSULE ALL ALONE CRYING