I'm Fine

9th August, 2017

"It's going to be your birthday soon." My mother comments with a smile as we silently eat dinner. "Do you want a party?"

And what friend would come to this party of mine? They're all dead.

I shake my head slowly.

"Oh, Ronnie." She puts her hand on top of mine. "You have to learn to move on." I draw my hand back and scoop out the rest of my mashed potatoes before shoving it down my throat and getting up.

She doesn't understand.

People only move on when people die. My friends didn't die. They were murdered. And I'm not going to sit and let that go.

I walk towards the front door and don't bother to grab my coat. I knew my parents would worry when I leave at this time of the day but they don't get it.

They don't get it.

My psychologist doesn't get it.

No one does.

I live right next to the park that no one ever really spends time at. The only people who come here would be parents with their kids from 4 to 6 PM every other day because this was the safest playground around. It's 9 now, which means it's practically empty.

I step in and am about to make my way to the bench when this high pitched giggle alerts me from behind. The voice was too familiar, so I quickly turned to locate where the sound came from. I could see two figures approaching the park on the side walk and I quickly hid behind the metal bars — don't ask why. As I watch, a couple walks by, arm in arm. I can't make out their faces through the dark, but I can hear their conversation.

"You're joking, Ted." The woman says. "Tell me that's a joke." She's trying to keep her laughter in.

"I am." The man adds, and they both burst into laughter.

"I recognize this park..." The woman stops in front of the gate and looks inside. "I used to bring Ally here."

Ally?

Oh my god.

That's Alyssa's mother!