without you

four

after reading the letter, i quickly got up. i was panicking , and i couldn't think straight. i knew it. i knew she didn't kill herself. all i could think of was her smile. i felt like tearing my head out. i was supposed to protect her. and i didn't even realize. i didn't notice her strange behavior. i didn't notice her quietness. i felt like crying. and i was mad as well. i was going to catch her killer if it was the last thing that i do. I was going to catch that bastard.

_____

i quickly ran home, not looking back once. i was feeling paranoid now. like someone was watching me. i opened the front door and slammed it shut, making sure i locked it.

collapsing on my bed, i did what ella told me to do. shutting off all the blinds and curtains, i turned on the light and continued to read her letters.

"dear best friend,

the same thing happened again. someone sent a photo of me washing the dishes. but... the shot was from inside the house. i actually went on my phone hours after because of all the chores i had to finish. i was scared. then he messaged me...

"i will kill your family if you say anything"

i was beyond scared. i started becoming more quiet. and i would close all the blinds and lock all the windows and doors. i couldn't tell my mom. i couldn't tell you.

i didn't want anything to happen to you. i'm sorry."

i couldn't even see any of the letter anymore because my eyes filled up with tears. one dropped onto the letter as i heard my mom
open the door.

"honey! we have a guest!" i heard her shout and i quickly wiped my tears away.

"coming!" i shout back as i run to the washroom. i splash water against my face, feeling the droplets pour down on my eyes and lips.

i'm confused as to why mom would bring a guest home. we never have guests.

i quickly skid down the stairs after drying my face. there beside my mom, stood a man i didn't know.