Rustle.
I stared in confusion. Why? Why did she leave this wonderful place?
I fell to the ground, coughing. It felt like someone was seizing my lungs, forcing all the air out
of it. I felt the harsh cold of death grappling my limbs, turning them limp.
No! I can't die like this! I can't when I haven't even felt friendship, happiness, or even love! I haven't
experienced life yet!
I sucked in air and felt the rush of life. In my hazy eyes, I saw the beautiful lake through my
tears. Without Alyssa, I had seen it as a dull lake without life. But now, I saw the sparkling
water beckon to me, tempting with the promise of relief.
I sat up very straight and shivered. My memory was already fading but I waved the fogginess
away and pulled the scene closer to me. I recalled the experience. Although Alyssa had been
out of my life for so long, I thanked her for showing me the beauty of life again.
I felt like I was waiting all my life for something. Patiently searching for something or someone
to change my life. But I didn’t know the key lay within.
I needed answers. And I knew where to look.
After sifting through old boxes, I found an old remnant of the past.
It was drawn with scribbly crayon, depicting two stick figures holding hands in front of a
school.
On the top it read "Happy 4th Grade!"
Although it was hazy, I vaguely remembered seeing everyone in class, except Alyssa. I had
looked around for her, confused.
I later learned she had moved away from my parents. Instead of telling me, Alyssa had just
quietly disappeared into nothing. Out of my life, forever.
Perhaps that was why I drifted away…
I opened my door at 5:44 am to peek down into the kitchen. My parents were talking
downstairs, so I carefully wandered down.
"Hey. Mom. Dad."
"Ah, hello. We didn’t know you were up this late."
"I just woke up. But I was wondering if you guys could sign this club permission form"
"Hmm, art? You haven't done it in years. Sure, it could be good to pick it up again."
Mr. Ken, wonderful AP Bio teacher, shuffled our papers at the start of class. I was determined to
pay attention this time.
""I know that a lot of you are disappointed with your grades for your unit reports. In response to
this, I created a group project to bring your grades up. Because I know everyone hates group
projects, I'm going to let you choose your groups. 3 to 5 please."
The whole class bustled, separating into groups immediately. I internally cursed Mr. Ken for
letting us pick.
However, noticing that Ari's group only had three people in it, I tentatively walked over.
"Hey, can I join your group?"
Tick-