"And then he hugged her so tight, all of her broken pieces fit back together."
WARNING: THERE ARE MENTIONS OF SELF HARM, ABUSE, AND SUICIDE IN THIS BOOK. IF ANY OF THESE THINGS TRIGGER BAD MEMORIES, I RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT READ THIS BOOK
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RILEY STARED EXPRESSIONLESS at her mother, wondering why she had come into their apartment and slammed the door behind her, calling for her husband.
Cory came out of his and Topanga's bedroom, and looked at his wife, with worry in his eyes.
"Mom? Dad? Is everything okay?" Riley asked her parents.
Cory and Topanga ignored their eldest daughter, and just kept looking at each other, until Topanga ran to Cory, and hugged him tightly.
"Seriously, what's going on?" Riley asked.
"Auggie, go to your room for a minute." Topanga told her youngest son. Auggie nodded and ran into his room.
"Mom?" Riley asked. "Can you please tell me what's the matter?"
Topanga held Riley's hand. "Riley," She started. "It's Erica. She, um, she didn't want to be alive anymore."
"Mom, what are you saying?" Riley asked, the tears building up in her eyes.
"She killed herself, Riley." Cory finished.
Riley gasped. "No." She said breathlessly.
"I'm afraid so." Topanga said, sniffing.
Riley broke down hysterical crying. "How could this happen?" She asked.
"I don't know, baby." Topanga said. "I'm sorry this happened."
"She left this for you." Cory said.
Riley looked at it. It was a letter. She quickly opened it.
Riles,
Hi, cinnamon. I want you to stop crying. I'm okay, I really am. I can promise you that I am okay now. I wasn't okay before. But I am now. I wrote you this letter because I love you. You are one of the most kind and trustworthy people I know, and even though we only knew each other shortly, I want you to know that you are the biggest inspiration to me. Never stop smiling. Promise me you'll never stop smiling, my love.
Sincerely, Erica Reyes.
Riley smiled softly at the letter, but shortly began crying again.
"I can't believe she's gone, Daddy." • • • CORY GLANCED OVER at the envelope on his nightstand for the hundredth time that night.
Erica had written him a note too.
But he was too nervous to read it.
Cory picked up the letter, and stared at where 'Mr. Matthews' was scribbled in the cutest handwriting Cory had ever seen.
So, Cory picked up the letter again, but this time opened it.
Mr. Matthews,
Wow, that was really formal, wasn't it? Anyway, I want to thank you for everything you've taught me these past few years. You are the greatest teacher I know, and no matter how many kids fall asleep during your lectures, I'll always be there, awake, and listening.
