30th of September

Janet Cordero

"Be good!" I called out to my 4 year old son, Jacob, as I quickly kissed my husband before closing the front door behind me and scurried to my car.

It was colder than usual, so I decided to stop by at my old favorite coffee place. Emily and I used to go there back when she was in high-school. We'd each grab a cup of coffee and donut and drive to school, where she studied, and I worked.

As I walked in, the nostalgic ring of the bell caught me off guard. I forgot how energetic this place used to be. I forgot how the barista's smile made my day. I forgot how Emily always tips her exactly twice as much as I do.

I ushered out of the shop immediately, as my eyes started to blur, and my throat began to close. I wasn't ready for this. I need more time.

I sat back in my driver seat and pulled away from the curb, trying to get her off my mind. I can't go to work with mascara running down my cheeks, the kids would stare at me like I had a bloody knife in my hand. I blink back the tears and drive away to school, trying not to remember the events that occurred exactly 9 years ago.