Epistles [Book 1]: Mr. Nobody | Complete

10

Dear Mr. Nobody,
Death is a peculiar thing. People interpret it in different ways, whether as a time of celebration or a time of sorrow, a time to wear all black or a time to whip out bright colours. There must be a missing narrative. Only one of those beliefs could be true. The other thing is: death makes people sentimental. It's thought-provoking, it's bitter and profound. It's inevitable yet still so frightening. Death is everything, yet it is nothing. Most of all, it makes strong people cry. And I don't ever want to see Jesse cry like that again.

10

Day Ten.
20-03-2015

"How is he holding up?" My mother sounded concerned over the phone.

"He's fine..." I twirled the thread that dangled from my shirt, "He's... still coming to terms with everything."

It had been a week since Jesse's mom had passed away and of course, he hadn't been himself since. We spoke like usual, but he didn't smile as widely or joke like he normally would. I was doing all that I could to support him. God knew I could only do so much.

"How are things, otherwise?" My mom's tone changed to one of curiousity.

To say the least, my mother loved minding my business. She was taking the opportunity now since she hadn't gotten the chance to be involved in my life recently.

"Everything's fine..." I said with a hint of uncertainty as I watched Nobody bounce a tennis ball off the wall.

The repetitive sounds quickly grew irritating and I couldn't stand them any longer.

"Hey! Could you stop?" I raised my voice.

Nobody caught the ball a final time, spun on his heel then walked over to sit at my desk.

"... What was that?"

"Nothing," I muttered under my breath, forgetting my mom was on the phone.

"Alright, then. I'll see you at the funeral."

"Mm-hmm... see you later."

Jesse's mom's funeral was later today and I did not want to go. All these people I knew, who I didn't want to see, would be there. I would do anything to avoid walking into that church.

I put my phone away and sighed, with my head in my hands.

"What's the problem now?" Nobody asked.

I looked up, "I just wish this didn't happen. I wish I could undo it all."

"Well you can't," he enunciated, "Don't cry over spilled blood."

"Oh, don't be so insensitive," I scolded, rolling my eyes.

"You shouldn't talk. You have Jesse all alone. He probably can't even get a hold of himself."

I paused for a moment.

Again, Nobody was right.

I should have gone to check up on Jesse the second I had woken up.

"How heartless," Nobody commented finally.

I ignored him and went over to Jesse's room. He was sitting on the edge of his bed with his hands clasped in his lap.