I kneel down in front of the tombstone, clutching the bouquet of wildflowers in one scarred hand.
"Hey Sara", I say quietly. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you Christmas morning." I pause, then continue, thinking about what I want to say to my dead best friend. "But I will never forget you, nor the good things you were a part of."
I set the flowers down before rising to my feet. I turn away from the gray stone, walking back to the car, where Tyler and my mom are waiting for me.
"How you doing, kiddo?", my mother's boyfriend asks.
I smile as I buckle my seatbelt and nod.
"Let's go home."
»»»»-----------»
I look at the still unopened present in my nightstand drawer, still wrapped in red and green wrapping paper.
I think I'm finally ready.
After a moment, I pick up the box and take it with me to my bed, sitting cross-cross on my mattress.
I tear the paper, tossing it onto the cream colored carpet before reading the note taped to the cardboard, written in Sharpie.
TESS-
MERRY CHRISTMAS. LOOK, I KNOW I'VE MADE A LOT OF MISTAKES, MOST OF WHICH YOU PROBABLY HAVE FIGURED OUT BY NOW. BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT EVEN WHEN I WAS HIGH OR DRUNK, THE ONLY THING GOOD THAT STAYED BY MY SIDE WAS YOU.
YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND, AND YOU ALWAYS WILL BE.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS,
SARA.
I remove the note, carefully setting it aside before lifting the lid of the cardboard box.
I reach in and pull out a rectangle box.
I open that, finding another one inside if it.
This goes on for about three more times, until I reach the last one.
Inside is a necklace, with a handcuff charm and the words Partners In Crime.
Don't I know it, I think with a small smile. Thank you Sara. Rest in peace forever.
YOU ARE READING
KILLED
Mystery / ThrillerMy best friend's body lies on the wooden floor, her head help up by the rope that is tied around her slender neck, which is secured to the ceiling. Blood still pools out of a wound in her abdomen, creating a vivid red puddle on the cedar planks. Sar...
