Hunter
I kneel down by Katy’s grave. I place my hand on the cool, rock headstone. Her name, date of birth and date of death or engraved into the stone slab. “We beat Rob and Scotch,” I whisper to no one. I think Katy can hear me so I continue talking. “Nick, Joe and Matt are our friends now. Joe only shot you because he was forced to.” I wish I could hear her respond but I know I can’t. How would she answer? Would she say it’s good we beat Rob and Scotch and survived Judgment Day? Would she be angry Joe’s my friend now? I wish I knew. I feel the surface of the headstone. Maybe I’m looking for an answer. Is she listening to me in heaven with all the angels? She’s too good to have gone to hell. Tears start streaming down my cheeks. I didn’t even see them coming. I just feel the moisture sliding down my cheek. “I wish you were here to tell me if I did good.” I whisper sobbing. “You don’t need her to tell you did good.” Another voice replies. I look up startled and see Joe standing over me.
Joe and I sit side by side and talk for what seems like hours. “I keep wondering if maybe I should turn myself in.” Joe mutters. “What? No way! You’ll get a life sentence!” I cry pleadingly. “Yeah but it’s the right thing to do. For Katy and everyone else.” He explains softly. I can feel my heart collapsing inside me. I shake my head. “That’s not the only way you can make things right.” I insist. “What do you mean?” Joe asks curiously. “You can pray to her and tell her you’re sorry. I’m sure she’ll forgive you.” I suggest wisely. Joe studies me for a few seconds. “Well . . . I guess.” He replies hesitantly. He looks at Katy’s grave for a few minutes. I wonder what he’s thinking. I wonder why it’s making his eyes fill up with tears. I bite my lip. When he’s done praying he turns back to me and through all the tears he offers me a small smile. “I think she’d forgive me.” Joe announces. I smile back. “I think so too.”
We sit by Katy’s grave until the sun starts to set. He tells me everything. About how Rob and Scotch treated him and how they threatened his family and about crush on Rose. He thinks it’s cute how I look out for her. I tell him about Super Six and my love of curly fries. I try to avoid mentioning Katy. Finally I stand up and stretch. “I should probably get going.” I announce. Joe stands up slowly and falls down. “My leg fell asleep!” he cries. I laugh and help him up. “You’re a good friend.” He says happily. I grin and stay silent. “You know Katy would be lucky to have a guy like you.” he adds. “Thanks. You’re a good friend too.” I insist. He beams like I gave him the best compliment he’s received. I feel lighter than ever.
