Anonymous

Chapter 1

    I fell asleep in his room again and had no idea what time it showed on the phone left somewhere. Yet, my upset mom was furiously yelling downstairs allowing me to know it was late. What is the big deal? Didn't she know we basically obtained a free pass to do whatever? Wish I could return this one. But couldn't.

I stood up and looked around. The poster on the wall was the first thing perceived. The Smiths. He used to appreciate melancholic music. Conceivably they just translated everything he suffered and was unable to express.

I did not feel like attending school. It was my last year, however, I could anticipate the condolences on the faces around. Being so tired of all that induced me to shut everybody off for a while. I found it challenging to talk to people and not despise them, with their pity.

My beloved mother was still shouting and all apprehended was "first day". Figured she meant I would be delayed for this remarkable event called high school. I screamed: Coming and looked at my phone. Wow! Eight thirty already. A message read:

Knew you would oversleep and be late for school. You should put more effort in your academic life, miss.

A smile finally appeared on my face. There was no chance of lying my way out of this one. He knew it, since it was eight thirty and I still have not sent any messages.

You must think you are essential to me assuming I wasn't up just for not texting you. Pretentious much?

I answered, convinced that Liam would not buy it, but being too proud to say: you won. He texted me back saying he was sure, and I giggled. At least he makes me laugh like no one does. That is why we have such a special connection.

Going to school was the last thing I wanted to do. Summer sucked, but at least I could be by myself all day, doing as pleased: listening to music, watching movies, talking to my friends, declining invitations from them. Essentially, trying to get my head out of things.

While I was lost in thoughts, my mother showed up at the door.

— You are not even dressed. — She emphasized angrily.

— I know. Sorry. I overslept. Going to my room to do that. — I answered with the usual victim look on my face.

— I talked to your principal. He is not cutting any slack for you anymore, Emily. One year is enough time to grieve.

— Is it?

— Do not dare! I feel the same way as you. But we need to get back with our lives. I still have you. And I will do anything so you don't...

— Stop it. I hate when you do this. I don't intend to commit suicide any time soon. But he was my brother, and this is never going away. I don't want to pretend it didn't happen like you guys.

— Do you think that's what we're doing? Emily...

— Mom, I'm not in the mood for this right now, ok? I have to get ready since Mr. Stevens is not excusing me this year.

— I am going to work. But I will call the school to make sure you went.

She disappeared at the door, and I went to my room. That house was so depressing. Every corner reminded me of him walking slowly and singing songs he came up with.

Yes, my brother Owen killed himself one year ago. Actually, to be more specific, one year and three days. It was almost the end of summer break. Sleeping pills. My parents and I were out at aunt Mary, and he didn't want to go. We had no idea what was on his mind. If we had gotten home a couple of hours earlier, he would still be here.