The Cravers

7. Memorial

"Jenifer Clark. The It Girl of New York. The girl who could make you feel like you were part of the scene." The girl sniffed. "I--I---can't believe she's gone."

I heard the audible weep of Mrs. Clark. I couldn't see her but her voice was gut-wrenching and it reached me through the parking lot.

I closed my eyes as pain clutched me in its grip. Such tragedy. The girl was so young...

Mrs. Clark was barely hanging on. Mr. Clark held his wife.

How?

More importantly, why. Why was this happening all of the sudden. Nothing like this has happened in our history. Not that I have encountered, no.

Although it was late to hold a funeral, the Coven awaited until all the loved ones of Jenifer arrived to the country. She had a deep history with many Cravers around the globe and with the busy timing of her demise, it was only the best to wait for them. And plus, it took us more than  a week to properly transfer and record the history of our dead ones. 

There was a hint of sadness in the dark smoky clouds. I felt jitters rise and run through my arms.

Mrs. Clark fell on the floor.

I watched the murmuring crowd. I wanted to comfort her... Let her know that her daughter was coming back next generation... Tell her we were going to figure this out.

But I wasn't sure.

"Such tragedy isn't it?" the driver spoke through my trance of thoughts, I forgot I had company.

"Yes," I nodded solemnly, pushing my sunglasses further into my face. 

"You're ready. Miss?"

"I think so," I glanced one more time to the gathered crowd. New York couldn't get any duller than this. "We can go." I pulled the window up.

As we trailed inside the heart of the traffic, one thought remained in my mind. And it was a thought I promised to fulfill.

I would find the end to this trauma.

I promised.

=====

The lady smiled. "Here is your key, Ms. Holland, enjoy your night."

I gave her a smile in return. "Thank you. Have a great night." I walked up to the stairs, feeling faint and tired. I practically raced to my bed and threw myself. Today has been a long day and attending that Memorial of the girl added to my sadness.

I stretched my legs and groaned. I kind of missed my apartment in France. The one that had a good view of the Eiffel Tower. It was cozy and small, perfectly private. But now, this hotel room was going to be closest thing to a home.  

I felt my phone vibrate on the nightstand. I reached for it but I knocked a piece of I haven't noticed untiI now. I grunted and read the text. 

It was a weather report.  A heavy storm was coming.

I focused on the white envelope on the floor. 

I  ripped open the envelope. I took out a single sheet of paper. I expected a note or a message but there was only one letter.

K

It was printed on it big and clear.

I straightened up, staring at the paper curiously. Who left this? Did the letter mean something? I had no clue. 

A loud thunder distracted me and I looked out the window. A heavy shower was pouring out and the open window was blowing all the gust in.  When I was closing it, I noticed something in the sky. A dark hole was forming in the distance, it was faint but it looked like it was sucking out light slowly and surely. As the rains poured harder, the hole grew in its darkness.

I couldn't help it. Something was settling in the pit of my stomach. I wasn't sure what but things were getting worse and worse. I could feel it.

3.15.2018