The Unsweet Revenge Across the street, a broken neon sign flashes on and off, advertising "Charlie's Bar and Grill." The gun was heavy in his pocket. Could he have done what he thought he had? The dark alley had puddles mixed with oil and water on the ground, on the cold November night. His scratchy flannel shirt had gunshot residue in the seams. His heart is racing like old times, except this time for the bad, not the good. Had anyone seen? Had anyone heard? Would he go to prison? He was only 17. His wet shoes splash into water left over from the rain that occurred earlier. His shoelace slaps against the pavement as he starts to run instead of walk. There is only one option for him... to run away from it all. As he slows down, he approaches what looks like another puddle but this is more like a pool. The air has an unusual odor of copper and as he sees the scene once more, the smell of burning gun powder is etched in his mind. He visualizes the bullet clicking into the chamber and the look of surprise on the man's face as his finger pulled the trigger of the cold gun. Sirens in the background ring in his ear. He runs down 7th Street while checking his perimeter at every moment possible. He steps into his 2003 white Honda Accord and gets ready to drive out of his situation. He is sweating profusely and his hands slide down the steering wheel as he puts the car in drive. He wonders who will take care of his stray dog that lives with him in a vacant shed. What will happen to all of his belongings? His oily hair swept in his face makes it harder to see the road along with the tears that make his vision blurry. He thought once the guy that caused him the most pain in his life was dead, he would feel relieved. After he did the deed, there is a strange emptiness inside him and his whole body is filled with guilt. What possessed him to commit such a despicable crime? He thought once the guy that caused him the most pain in his life was dead, he would feel relieved. After he did the deed, there is a strange emptiness inside him and his whole body is filled with guilt. What possessed him to commit such a despicable crime? Getting closer and closer to his destination, he is soon filled with relief as he realizes his worries will be over when he gets far enough out of town, and far enough from the murder scene. He arrives to a familiar place that brings him back to that dreadful, long night; the night when the tragedy happened. He won't ever forget the feeling with tears flowing like a faucet and his hands cupped over his face. He walks up to the counter where a very together woman is patiently waiting for the phone to ring or for some action to happen. Her badge engraved the words ''NYC Police Station." She notices a few blood splatters on his musty sneakers and immediately puts her hand on her waist reaching for her gun. He almost has to force the words out of his mouth, but manages to choke out, "My name is Seth Edwards, and I just killed my girlfriend's murderer." Laurel Bradley 10th Grade Ooltewah High School Rose Fuller
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