***last year***
I woke up to the sound of pouring rain, feeling a sense of alarm in the air. Willow, my sister, was out of bed. Her sheets were sprawled out on the floor in a tangled mess. The sun was just peeking out over the horizon, just waking up itself. Willow never wakes up early. Blinking, I looked at her bed again. No luck. I sighed, and rolled out of bed. Something was wrong.
When I got outside, I found Willow sobbing, throwing her head in her hands. She was sitting on the ground, with her knees pulled close to her chest. Her face was red, cheeks puffy, and she wouldn’t look me in the eye. I had no idea what to do. I always remembered me being cuddled when I was sad, comforted, and loved by Willow. I was always the week one. But now, as I sat beside her, I realized that everybody needs to be loved.
So, with no further hesitation, I threw my arms around her and pulled her close. “It’s going to be all right”, I whispered in her ear. Resting her head against my chest, she shook her head and closed her eyes, letting the sad rain poor on us. I don’t care what we looked like, because everyone has those moments where they need someone, no matter how brave they seem.
After about five minutes of letting her cry, I finally pulled her up and took her hand. “You can tell me when you are ready” I said softly. She shook her head, rubbed her eyes and stared at me with a new kind of sadness I’ve never seen her express before.
Willow was eighteen, but the nicest teenager I have ever known. But we had always had been best friends, because I was only one year younger, but I prepared myself for the worst. Willow had always been one for surprises. Even before she said it, I already knew. “I’m leaving. I’m sorry Emma, but I have to go” She said through sighs and sniffles. “But you can stay with me here. I love you Willow! I can’t live without you! I can’t!” I was practically shrieking now, my voice high and shaky, filled with fear. "Please don't go!" I said softer this time, calming myself. Just for a split second, Willow looked defeated, and confused. But just as quickly as that look had appeared, it vanished just as fast replaced with a brave look that I had known for so long. “Goodbye Emma!” She said, hugging me one last time.
Then, she turned and walked away, without saying another word. I stayed and watched her go. She took small, steady steps, and it felt like my heart was tearing apart. But I said nothing, knowing nobody could change her mind. She was a strong person, and I knew whatever she was going for, whatever was planned, she could do. She was just strong like that. Or so I thought.
