Wake Up Caroline

(20)

"Alex please, this is the eighth call I've left you. I need you to answer!"

She paces around the room, gripping her phone.

"Oh Caroline. Caroline, Caroline, Caroline. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

"Damn Natalee what do you need? I am in a very important meeting right now and I-"

"It wasn't an accident."

"What wasn't?"

"I found a note Alex. She wasn't just going to take a walk. She... she..."

"Natalee, what did the note say?"

Her hands shook as she gently unfolded the piece of paper she'd found hidden beneath the folds of Caroline's mattress.

"It read, 'November 18th 2014.
Dear Mom and Dad, I assume you've found this note considering you are now reading it. Let me begin by saying how sorry I am. I realize that I am just a burden and always have been. And for that I am sorry.

As you may or may not know, I have been unhappy for quite a while. Maybe unhappy isn't the word to use... because it was so much worse.

Starting in seventh grade I began to hate myself. I had bullies on every corner, in school, on the way home, and even in my mind. The bullying and the depression never seemed to stop. But you never seemed to notice.

Mom, you were too busy with Richard to even begin to notice. But even when you saw my self harm scars you still did nothing. But I forgive you.

Dad, I understand you had work and were trying hard to continue letting us live the luxurious life you gave us. But I would've preferred to have my dad around... more than I would a new phone or laptop. But again, I forgive you. You just had my best intentions at hand.

I'm sorry to say that I couldn't handle this life. This life you gifted me with. I tried my damn hardest but I just. I can't do it.

Please if you could give the enclosed letters to Casey, Brooke, and Scott, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I love you. And I'm sorry."

She clutched the paper in one hand and the phone in the other. She slowly slid down the wall of the room.

"No matter how many times I read it... it doesn't get any better. Alex... she tried to kill herself. She didn't just accidentally fall on the tracks around the trains... she, she went there on purpose."

Soft sobs could be heard from the other end of the line.

"I'll be home tonight."

"Please hurry."