20 Reasons to Let Go

She Had Flowers in Her Hands

Cady's heartbeat slowed as she made her way to the long, wooden casket. She stood beside it with tears in her eyes and wondered where she had gone wrong.

Beneath her, Kendal lay with her chestnut brown hair framing her perfectly angelic face and her rosy lips upturned slightly into a gentle smile. Her eyelids were closed peacefully, with her dark eyelashes grazing her cheeks. Her arms sat positioned on her lap, and she had flowers in her hands.

Suddenly, a small girl pushed her way in front of Cady, blocking her view of Kendal.

"Who are you?" Cady asked, raising one eyebrow, "This really isn't the time."

The girl turned, "I'm here to see her," she said, her icy blue eyes burning, "The girl who killed René."

"You knew René?"

"Yes," the little girl gazed past Cady with cloudy eyes, "She was my best friend. She even kissed me once. It was nice, but my mama says girls don't kiss girls."

Cady's eyes softened and she suddenly could see herself in the reflection in the girl's eyes. She sighed and lowered her voice to a whisper, "Girls kiss girls. Don't you worry."

At this, the little girl looked up at her and nodded her agreement. Then, she turned and walked away.

Cady turned back to the casket and watched Kendal's motionless features for a long while. Then, when she knew it was time, she smiled sadly and placed a soft kiss on her scarred forehead.

"Goodbye, Kendal Winters. I'll remember to let go."

THE END

Hello good people,

And there we are! The final little chapter to our story!

It's been amazing writing this, and I couldn't be happier with it. I started writing 20 Reasons to Let Go November of 2015, and look at where we are now. The very first day of 2017. What a journey it has been.

I hope you felt really special reading this story, and I hope that you will consider supporting my future writing as well. I can't wait to get started!

This isn't goodbye,

( katherine )