Evil Forces: Walden

Chapter 22-That breaks me a lot

The digital clock on the wall emitted a soft, persistent chirp, signaling the appointed hour. In the dimly lit room, shadows danced against the walls, casting an air of solemnity over the gathering. There, around the table strewn with scattered memories, stood four figures: Rosa, Hanna, Daniel, and Doreen. The chair at the head of the table was conspicuously empty, the presence of their departed friend, Sandy, still reverberating through their hearts.

Hanna arranged a photograph of Sandy right in the center, a warm smile frozen in time, capturing the essence of a friend lost too soon. The room held its breath as Rosa retrieved her handwritten letter, fingers trembling slightly with the weight of her words.

"But then Hanna did prepare the picture of Sandy in the table," Rosa thought, taking a deep breath as she remembered the sacrifices shared, the laughter spent, and the tears shed. "I'm going to miss her so much; I will miss you a lot."

With her voice wavering, she began to read, "Sandy, you were more than a friend to me. You sacrificed your life to save my parents, and I can't fathom that your bravery doesn't walk beside us anymore. You became our true friend. I won't forget what you did for me." Her eyes moistened, but she pressed on, buoyed by the resolve to honor Sandy's memory. "This city will never be the same without you."

As the echoes of her words hung in the air, Hanna stepped forward, holding her own letter. "Sandy," she began, her tone resolute. "You were my savior. I'm grateful for all the times we shared, for every laugh and every adventure. I know we'll meet again in some way, but until then, don't worry about us. This city will always be safe, thanks to your sacrifice."

Daniel's voice followed, edged with palpable regret. "Too bad that you did die this early," he said, glancing at the photograph. "But it was great to meet you, Sandy. I'll cherish that forever."

"Hey Sandy," Lena chimed in, her voice softer. "I know we didn't know each other well, but thank you for making my cousin happy." A glimmer of hope flickered in her words, a reminder that regardless of their time together, Sandy had made a difference.

Doreen gathered her courage and stepped forward. "I wish I could have done something to save you, like you did for all of us." She hesitated, swallowing the sorrow lodged in her throat. "Thank you for being my friend."

With a deep breath, it was Erich's turn. "Sandy, you were such an amazing person. The coolest person I ever met, in fact." He recalled the fleeting moments they shared, the laughter that briefly filled the spaces of despair. "I hope you're happy wherever you are now, and I'll never forget the remaining memories we had."

The letters hung heavy in the air, tangible offerings for a soul departed too soon. Each word was a treasure, each sentiment an elegy, as they reverberated through the silence of the room. Together, they formed a tapestry of love and loss, a testament that Sandy would forever be etched into their lives.

As they placed their letters beside the photograph, one thought united them, transcending grief: she had been their light in dark times, and though she was gone, her spirit would guide them through whatever lay ahead.

"Oh, I would like to say that now Sandy's gone, but that doesn't mean we should be sad. She wants us to be strong—just like this," Rosa declared, meeting the sea of mournful eyes before her.

Hanna, tears welling, shook her head in despair. "Who's not going to be sad? Now that she's gone... I don't want any of you to go, either."

The silence that followed seemed louder than the distant echoes of their fallen friends, and Rosa felt a swell of frustration. "Yes, we all know she's gone, but let's think of how we have to be stronger now. At least we know she saved those few students."