Short Film & Short Story Unit (2023)

INTRODUCING THE

Short Film/Short Story Unit (2023) Featuring

10th Graders

Winning Content 2022 Short Stories Win Or Lose By Ty’Shyla Lawrence Most Creative

Jealousy By Genesis Cruz Best Short Story

Corazon By Adriana Lopez Best Original Short Story

Short Films The School Thief Leevonne Overton & Griffyn Redoutey Best Original Short Film https://youtu.be/zdYYmQ2Yw48

Casino Heist Ahara Prescott & Caleb Livingston Best Comedy https://youtu.be/Voxl9C5Dwtc

Paranoia Keonte Henderson & Elijah Tolliver-Anderson Best Short Film https://youtu.be/wdTtIdG_g_0

Other Awards Best Theme - Edwin Romero Best Symbolism - Kaleb Hendricks, Rueben Bell Best Irony - Rodriguez Wiley, Tre’Asure Watkins Best Character - Naijal Hawkins Most Words - Iris Ruiz Best Acting - Marquis Martin Best Collaboration - Madyson Worthing, Paige Tomes, Daval Henry

Friday, December 15, 2023 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School 1st Floor

Win Or Lose Ty’Shyla Lawrence

Lyric Landry was an exceptional cheerleader for only being on the team for one season. The way in which she advanced her skills was astonishing.

She was sure to attend all practices and even took advantage of private lessons for tumbling as well, always cultivating her craft. She was wise like an owl and very self-aware to only be fourteen years old. As excited as she may have been, Lyric still has a bit of an uneasy feeling about competition. She wasn’t sure why though. Just a short two-hour and fifteen-minute flight and they had arrived. Kissimmee, Florida was the location. Specifically, the Silver Spurs Arena. The energy at the competition was thick. Thousands of people filled the halls. It was finals on this sweltering afternoon in April. Despite the uncomfortable weather outside, Lyric felt prepared for the task ahead. While she did feel a bit of nervousness, she was ready to hit the mat. The whole team was ready. They worked hard, and now it was time to show and prove.

Lyric and her team had practiced all season for this moment. This very morning alone they had a three-hour practice. She was used to that though.

She normally went to three-hour practices, and she did that three times per week. She was born to cheer.

After practice, she and her mom went to breakfast.

Lyric seemed to eat a little of everything that was offered in the hotel lobby. “Guess you weren’t hungry” her mom joked. “Nope, not all” responded Lyric. The air was dry and humid. At only one o’clock in the afternoon, it was already above eighty degrees.

“It isn’t hot at all” uttered Lyric’s mom. Lyric just smirked. It was a great day for the competition.

She sat patiently waiting for her team’s turn, admiring the beautiful palm trees she could see out the window in front of where she sat. Rhinestones, glitter, fringes, and bows filled the room. Every shade of the rainbow could be seen gracing the eyelids of all the cheerleaders. “Looking good ladies”, one spectator was heard saying as Lyric and her team waited patiently. Music, chanting, and cheers were heard throughout the convention center. Lyrics noticed that her flyer, Cassidy, seemed to be sort of overly nervous. Cassidy is a flyer that is afraid of

heights, but she seemed far more nervous than usual.

Cassidy knew that sacred and all, she still had to hit the mat and do what she was trained to do. They had only been mocking out the routine all morning but something was off. Lyric took mental note of it but didn’t actually say anything about it though. Everyone on the team understood that they needed to give t their all and push through.

It was showtime! Lyric’s team was on the mat and the music began. “TWO-THREE, Jasmine yelled”. They began. The opening went exceptionally well. Everyone made it to their spots on time.

The facials were on point. Running tumbling was happening. Round-off, back-handspring, TUCK! Out of the corner of her eye, Lyric noticed Cassidy stumble, likely because she failed to ball up and tuck her knees. For some reason, Lyric began to see red.

She almost didn’t even land on her feet. It was more like a one-foot landing. Five Six Seven Eight! All of the parents could be heard counting the team along.

The girl’s red iridescent eye shadow looked stunning under the bright lights. All of the rhinestones on their uniforms made it look like a star shower was happening. What could go wrong?

Lyric couldn’t help but get distracted by Cassidy’s behavior. Just as Lyric, Bella, and Morgan began to take Cassidy up into the pyramid, Cassidy’s ankle gave out and she began to fall out of the air.

This had never happened to them before. Cassidy’s right foot hit Lyric in the eye and her left foot slapped Morgan on her left cheek. Morgan, the back spot attempted to break Cassidy’s fall but both of them ended up on the mat. All the while the rest of the team kept going as they were trained to do.

The crowd gasped! There were so many ooh’s and ahh’s that it felt like everyone was in sync. Lyric could see her mom in tears. Coach P was in awe. Her eyes jumped back and forth from the failed pyramid back to the rest of the team. The judges wore a look of concern. Each one of them whispered to the others. “Push through” coach P yelled, and well, they did. They managed to get through their routine for whatever it was worth.

Dynasty! That was the last word uttered as the team ended their routine. Lyric, Bella, and Morgan managed to make it through the dance portion of the routine. They exited the stage. “you ok, Bella” Morgan asked. Her face was still full of tears, “Never been better” Bella answered as she rolled her eyes. They exited back into the warm up area. Lyric observed from across the room a lady walking towards them. The blue star of life could be seen n the lady’s arm before she even got close.

Lyric recognized that from her first aid class. She knew this wasn’t going to be good. A paramedic came over to examine Bella. All of a sudden, they heard Coach P get loud. “What”? Coach P exclaimed, “broken?” It just couldn’t be Lyric thought. She wondered why Bella hadn’t mentioned to anyone that she was in pain or even having any issues with her ankle. Lyric thought back to what she had witnessed earlier. I guess there was really something to be concerned about she thought. Bella was rolled away on the stretcher, her mom walking right beside her. A whole sea of people was watching. “All teams to the stage” was heard from the announcer’s microphone.

Everyone would now find out their fate. Lyric and her team members waited with doubtful eyes for their team’s division to get announced. “In eighth place, in seventh place, in sixth place, in fifth”, the announcer exclaimed excitedly. Athletes were jumping for joy with bright and wide smiles. Trophies, banners, crowns, and more were given to the many winners.

And still, Lyric and her teammates sat waiting to hear the results.

“No way we got top four” Morgan whispered to Bella. “Right” said Bella. Lyric sat with her eyes closed tightly. “We are the winners, we are the winners, we are the winners” repeated Lyric under her breath. Just as everyone else had figured, they didn’t even place. Eight winning teams and they didn’t even get the eighth place. Heartbreak was felt by all. “Don’t worry, there’s always next year” said one of the judges as the team left and went back to the waiting area. “Next year” uttered Lyric, again under her breath. She had no intention of returning to compete next year after such an embarrassment.

Lyric sat, eyes fixed on the palm trees and bright sun out of the huge convention center windows. They were partially closed. All of her teammates were gathering their belongings with some sense of urgency. Lyric still sat there, in fact, she didn’t budge. It was like she had fallen into some

deep depression after losing so terribly. The girls were lined up but Coach P and Lyric’s mom gathered close to her. They were staring into her face. “Lyric”, shouted her mom, “Come on”. “Can you hear me?” said Coach P. “What is happening?” Jasmine asked Morgan. Lyric’s mom splashed a little cold water on her face. She sat straight up at that moment. She had been somewhere between sleep and daydreaming.

Before you knew it, they were in the warm up room at it was showtime. For real this time. TWOTHREE! Lights, cameras, action. Everything went flawlessly. Dynasty! And just like that, they were done. A few more teams performed and the session was over. The announcer started with the winners in eighth place and continued on place by place. Finally, In the first place, It’s Dynasty! “We did it”, yelled Lyric. Everyone was overjoyed that they had won the championship. “Who run it? We run it”, they all chanted as they exited the convention center. The sway of their victory dance captured the attention of all as they left. “Great job ladies” could be heard from every direction. It was a great day, indeed.

Jealousy

Genesis Cruz It was the first day of school once again, I’m not ready to get confronted by Natalie and her minions.

Luckily it’s my last school year that I’ll have with her, hopefully in high school I’ll have a fresh start.

Anyways back to me, I just got to the first class of the day with my best friend Esteban, Aka the one who’s always stuck by my side through thick and thin.

Esteban and I have been best friends since the 2nd grade, we actually have a lot of things in common,like we’re both Salvadorian, we love pupusas, and we both play soccer, AKA the best sport.

“Oh look there’s the mexican”, Natalie sighed, while her minions chuckled.

“I’m not Mexican, I’m Salvadorian”, I said aggravated.

Natalie muttered, “They’re all the same”.

I was going to say something back until Esteban said,”Just let it be, don’t let her get to you”. Esteban was right, so I let it be, but on the inside I was so furious. So I just decided to ignore her for the rest of the day.

As soon as I got home, I went straight to my room without greeting anyone. Then my mom follows behind me, “Y vos qué te pasa”, my mom says infuriated.

I responded with attitude, “Nada, no quiero hablar de eso ahora”.

“Tu mama me dijo que tienes actitud con ella”, he questioned.

“Papá yo no tuve actitud con ella, es que Natalie me estaba molestando de nuevo ‘’,I snapped. “ No me tienes que hablar de esa manera, Solo tenías que decirle a tu mama lo que pasó”, He Yelled.

“Es que!”, I murmured “Ahora discúlpate con tu mama”,He said calmly.

“Okey esta bien, me disculpare con mi mama”, I sighed.

“Okey, espero que sea verdad”, He said in a strong tone.

After We hung up, I tried to build up the courage to admit that I was wrong. “Mamá me disculpa por haberle gritado”, I said Nervously.

“Esta bien Catalina, Si tienes algún problema podemos hablar”, My mom pleaded.

“Okey mama,’’ I muttered.

After the first couple months of the school year, I’ve learned to ignore the things that people say about my race and accent.

“Go back to mexico”, Natalie yelled.

My mom yelled, “No tengas actitud conmigo, mira con quién hablas”.

“Yea go back to where you came from”, shouted students.

I kept quiet while she walked away. Soon after my mom left, I received a phone call from my dad. “Hola Catalina”, He said in a strong tone.

I felt my blood boiling from my fists and down. I wanted to burst out in tears, Until Esteban grabbed me by the hand and said “ Let’s go somewhere else to talk to someone about it”.

“Hola papa?”, I said, confused.

“Nobody will understand what I’m going through”, I said while in tears.

“Ha there goes the border hopper”,yelled Natalie, while her friends were laughing.

“Look at me Catalina, you have to talk to someone about this situation”, Esteban pleaded.

I’m done, I’ve had enough with Natalie,this has been going on since the 5th grade. It’s about time that I let people understand that I’m proud of being who I am, and that I don’t let one group of people bring me down. I felt my blood boiling, I had so much anger from the past,that today was the day that it was let out. My fists became balls of anger, as soon as I got close enough to Natalie I swung. *Boom*

“Let me think about it, Esteban”, I replied .

I got home and tried to keep to myself when I was with my mom, but somehow she suspected that something was going on.

“Qué sucede contigo,Catalina”, Mom asked.

“Nada mamá, sólo estoy cansada”, I Lied.

“Okey, entonces es mejor que te vayas a dormir temprano”, Mom replied.

It’s winter break and I’m excited to spend time with my best friend outside of school. Me and Esteban have organized events that we’d like to do throughout break. In the first week we went ice skating. The second week was the best, It was Christmas of course, we each had gotten each other our favorite things.

Last week before going back to school,we decided to go to the movies to watch the movie that we”ve been waiting to see.

Once again back to school, Can’t wait for the end of the school year.

“Hey”, Esteban exclaimed “Hey”, I replied “Have you talked to someone yet”, Esteban questioned.

“No,I haven’t because I’m feeling better”, I lied “Alright Catalina you better be telling the truth”, Esteban exclaimed.

“I am telling the truth”, I Nagged.

I wasn’t telling the truth but I wasn’t in the mood to hear from anyone.

Everyone and everything got quiet, All the attention came to me. I heard the chanting of students saying “Fight, Fight, Fight”.

Natalie Looked at me with tears in her eyes and charged at me, until her minions grabbed her and took her away. *beep* I zoned out and all I could think about was what would my mother and father think of me, but I was so angry that I didn’t have any regrets.

“Catalina!”Esteban yelled.

“Yes, Esteban”, I questioned.

“Why did you swing first, that’s not going to look good on you when you get called to the office,” Esteban exclaimed.

“I know, but she deserved it. She’s been on about the same situation since the 5th grade, she can’t let it go that She cant speak two languages, but I can”, I argued back.

Moments later I got called to the office,”Hello Ms.Catalina”,said the principal.

“Hi Mr.Stall”, I said nervously.

“So I’ve heard that you started a fight in the lunchroom”,Mr.Stall questioned “I can’t lie to you Mr.stall, yes I did, but it was because I’ve been taking hurtful things from Natalie, your daughter” I said truthfully, “It was until today that I stood up for myself about this situation”.

“My daughter you say, so she has been the one causing all this trouble”, said Mr. Stall

“Oh good you’re here,I want to explain to you your consequences”, Commented Mr. Stall.

“Yes Mr. Stall, your daughter has been saying racist things towards me and others, just because they are hispanic including me”, I pleaded almost in tears.

“They can’t be that bad”, Fussed Natalie.

“Well thank you for your honesty Catalina, you may take a seat outside my office,and can you tell Natalie to come in”, Mr.Stall said in a strong tone.

“Thank you Mr.Stall listening to me, I’m sorry that I laid my hand on your daughter,and for not speaking up about this situation until now”, I said nervously.

Natalie was called in. I was so nervous that I started to tear up, I just noticed what I had just done. Soon I hear shouting,”But dad!”, shouted Natalie.

“It’s Mr. Stall, You have to show more respect towards others, you oughta be ashamed of yourself”,Shouted Mr.Stall.

The yelling kept going back and forth for a while.I saw Natalie run out of Mr.stalls office fusing.

“You may come back into my office Catalina,’’ said Mr Stall.

“So,Catalina you know that there are going to be consequences for the both of you”, Explained Mr. Stall.

“Yes sir I know, What are the consequences?”, I commented.

“The consequences are that the both of you will get suspended for 2 days, and you will serve 3 days of after school detention after your suspension”, Explained Mr. Stall.

“Ok,Mr.Stall”, I said almost in tears.

“You may sit outside my office while I call your parents”, Exclaimed Mr.Stall.

When I walk out the office I see that Natalie storms into Mr.Stalls office.

“Mr.Stall!”,Natalie shouted.

“Natalie, your consequences for your actions are the following, You are suspended for 2 days and will serve 3 days of after school detention when you come back, lastly you will do community service for the rest of the summer”, Mentioned Mr.Stall.

“WHAT”, Shouted Natalie.

“You heard me loud and clear Natalie, Yelled Mr.Stall.

When I got home, I could tell that my mother was very upset. So I continued to my room and tried to stay there as much as I could, but I’d have to talk to my mom about what happened at some point.

After my suspension things had changed a lot, I became more open with my mom and we bonded over days of my suspension. I still served my detentions and they made me understand that I have to be open about serious situations. Esteban helped me out through my tough times,I’m grateful to have him as a best friend.

It’s the last week before graduation, Natalie hasn’t bothered me ever since Mr.Stall put her on community service. I’m so excited to have a fresh start in high school.

“IT’S GRADUATION!”, yelled Esteban.

“3,2,1, WELCOME HIGH SCHOOL”, Everyone shouted.

Corazon

Adriana Lopez Aoni is closed off, and not social, she has a couple of friends yet she doesn’t allow new people into her life. Her eyes stay low, no emotion to see in her eyes.

She is always in her own world and as people would say not much was known of her. Ezra is a tall boy who loves to go out and socialize with many people, full of confidence and a smile that can make anyone smile back, his smile was pure and gentle like the sun hitting your face on a cold day. Two souls meant for each other but never came together. It’s early morning, I look at the time 6:32 am, the first day of sophomore year college but something is different today. I woke up with a weird feeling today. I sat up and stared at my wall. What can this feeling be? Is it a good feeling or bad? Maybe I’m just nervous about a new college. I heard my dad knock two times “Aoni get ready you have to be there early” I sighed “why why” is all I could think, I ignored my thoughts and decided to get ready. As more time goes by I feel like I lose myself every minute I feel empty all I can do is stare out the window.

window as he dozed off staring out the window I caught myself looking at with a smile. 3 months went by with the same routine every day.

I see the school and I could feel my heart beating *thum thum*, my heart beats faster getting out of the car I’m lost in my thoughts “hi” I clicked into reality again I look up there he was with the most beautiful smile I have seen his eyes lock with mine, I felt relief looking into his eyes why though, my thoughts silenced “hi” I finally spoke back “my name is Ezra nice to meet you” he said, “I’m Aoni” I said, He looked at me with such kindness in his eyes. We talked while walking around the school. I sat in class thinking about his smile. He was perfect, his hair sat above his eyebrows, lips had a perfectly pink shade with the nicest shape. Why am I feeling this strange feeling I never felt before with anyone. Lunch came around I looked around for Ezra I couldn’t find him I grabbed my lunch as I walked to the back table I heard my name being called I recognized his voice he came up behind me I turned to look at him “Sit with me,” he said, as I followed behind him to an open space with the view of the school garden it was a rainy day I could see the rain drops slide down the

He asked to drop me off. He never has it strange but I said yes he smiled and slid his thumb on my forehead to move the hair that sat on my face. I went through my last period just thinking why he asked to drop me off is he gonna tell me something or is he moving away what can it be I couldn’t help but overthink *beep* class is over, I go to the hall still wondering why. I see him at the front doors of our school, we walk to his car he opens the door for me and I sit in the passenger seat as he walks around to the driver’s side I see a picture of him and a woman on his dashboard as he gets in I decided to ask who it was “my mother” he said “you look just like her she is beautiful” I said he smiled at me I smiled back can I take you out for shake my favorite, I happily said yes. I thanked Ezra for the treat as we walk up a hill to sit under the tree a black crow flew over Ezra’s head we both laughed it off seeing how scared he got as we reach the top of the hill we sit under the tree as my hand laid on the floor, he put his hand over mine and kissed my forehead this was the first time he ever

Her eyes changed since the first day of school they don’t stay low she keeps her head up and she greets me with a smile every day she has the most beautiful eyes they have a spark to them when we look each other in the eyes she has a wonderful personality that lights my day up I want her and my mom to meet she has the most beautiful soul my mom would love, the first girl who is worth meeting my mom. These days have been rough on me, mom is sicker than she has been these past two years. I decided to tell Aoni about meeting my mother I catch her in the hall I call out for her name “aoni’ she runs towards me and gives me a tight hug while looking up at me with a smile I offered to drop her off which never had before she looked at me with a confused look and then agreed to me dropping her off.

held my hand and kissed me I felt so happy he made me feel so safe and special. As he held he looked me in the eyes and confessed what he felt. His eyes had a sincere look that made me believe everything he told me. I also decided it was the perfect time to tell him what I felt as the sun was setting and a breeze went past. We gave each other the biggest smile. It was time for me to go home and we walked back to his car.

As I drove to her house I found it to be the perfect moment to talk about my mother, “Aoni I want you to meet my mother, you’re worth it, my mother is sick she suffers from health issues to traumatic brain injury caused by domestic violence”. She said it would be an honor to meet my mother. We got to her house and said goodbyes and I headed home. When I arrived home I knocked on the door “mom” I said no answer. That’s weird. I cracked open the door and there she was my mother, the woman I loved most, who helped me through and supported me with all my choices. As she laid face down I ran to her and turned her to face me as I felt my heart pounding yet breaking into pieces my beautiful mother, “I love you more than anything, thank you for making me the strong woman I am”.Her last words to me I felt my heart shatter I felt my world crumble into pieces.

I called the emergency number hoping they could be here fast. I can’t let my mother leave my side. As I held my mother in my arms and cried this couldn’t be happening. My mother is all I have my reason for living, “why god why her ‘’ I yelled and cried.

The sirens, my mother on the stretcher as the ambulance took her away, I drove behind, and everything around me slowed down. My mind was blank, the sirens turned off. I knew what that meant she was gone, my mother who raised me and protected me from my dad’s abuse risked her life for me to save me from trauma as much as she tried, watching her get beat by my father that night that marked my life left an unseen scar watching my mother lay on the floor as she took blows to the head s the blood ran down the wooden floor, my father watching her bleed leaving the house and after that, I have never seen him. As all these thoughts ran through my head something caught my eye in the reflection of the ambulance window, there I was looking back at myself. My body went cold and everything that night felt like a blur.

I don’t remember much neither do I remember the next 4 days. My mother’s funeral arrived. I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t eaten or showered since her passing.

I felt so empty I didn’t want to keep trying in life all I could do was cry. I’m stuck in this dark place I can’t get out of. Aoni was a big help. She helped me get ready for my mother’s funeral. It took a lot of motivation to get out of bed. She brought me food yet I was too weak to eat on my own, she fed me and got the shower ready. While I showered I could hear her humming a song. She soon popped her head in the bathroom and told me my clothes were ironed and ready.

Ezra lost his mother. He hasn’t been himself, he looks so weak it makes me feel so sad for him. I couldn’t imagine losing my mother, he spoke to me about his childhood and how he feels now after losing his mother. Throughout the conversation all he could do was cry, I tried my best to clean up for him because I know he isn’t well. As we drove to the funeral I felt upset that I never got to meet his mother. The first and last time I will see her is today at her funeral. Ezra stayed quiet and cried. He gave a loving speech to his mother. You could hear in his voice how hurt he was. I knew this meant I wouldn’t see him at school. I wanted to make him feel better.

We went back to Ezra’s house. It was so silent in the house everything felt so turned off. I decided to order us some dinner sushi cause I knew he loved it. As I served him his dinner I could see him give a small smile and gave me a thank you I told him that if he needed me I would always be there to help him and that he could talk to me if he needed to let something off his chest he told me he just wanted me to check up on him. I agreed to do so ,he handed me a spare key and told me I was free to come over whenever i wanted.

It’s been 1 month since era’s mother passing i would of thought he was doing better but he just seems to get worse he told me he wants to give up, I tried my best to check in every day but schools been harder lately I haven’t slept well in days trying to keep up with school and work never gave me time to go check in with ezra. I called him every 2 days i would also send dinner to his house, he video called me his face was pale his body was skinny he look different but yet looking at him the love i felt was unconditional, his smile never changed but he wasn’t the same anymore,

spring break week finally came, I took this as my chance to go visit Ezra. I called off work for the week, packed a bag, and headed over to his house. It was a Tuesday night. He seemed happy to see me; he looked so fragile. That night I decided I would cook dinner for us. Everything was good. We watched a movie, talked and played the best story game. Everything felt like it was falling back into place. As I scrolled through my phone I saw that the flying lantern festival was coming up this Friday. I decided it would be the best idea for us to experience something new together and to take him out. We spent the week planning our outfits for the festival. I had the best time with him even in silence. He went out for snacks with me that Thursday, his first time out of his house since his mothers passing. I was proud of him for his effort.

Friday morning came along. It was a beautiful day out and the weather couldn’t be more perfect for the festival. This was my last day with him. I had to head home that night when the sun was setting and we made our way to the light festival. We were given our lamp and marker along with our lighter we found a perfect spot with a view of the lake. The moon’s reflection was beautiful on the lake we spread our blankets out and talked something told me to take a picture and appreciate this tie with him. I asked a lady who sat beside us if she could take our picture and she said yes. We both stood as he wrapped his hand on my back and held me close as he smiled and kissed my cheek. I don’t know what I would do without him.

They announced that it was time to light up our flying light as we both held hands and lit the light we watched it fly in the sky with hundreds of other light as the reflection of the sky shined brought over the lake it was the most beautiful thing to experience with the person I love the most light flew over our heads we locked eyes and there we shared our first kiss together. The best night I could have asked for as we headed back to Ezra’s house everything felt perfect: a car ride with our favorite music playing as we sang lyrics to each other. We arrived at his house before he shut my car door. He gave me a smile and thanked me for making his days better. I drove home and dozed off into my sleep.

Many thoughts go through my head. Is this the right choice? I can’t bear the thought that I will never see my mother again. I put on my best face for Aoni. The

days we spent together were the best I felt since my mothers passing. I have tried my best to get out of this dark place but I can’t. I feel trapped in my own head. I haven’t talked about my feelings to no one. It feels like no one will ever understand what I’m going through. What if they judge me for the way I feel or laugh at me i have always been the one for people through tuff times I have been the happy person all this time. Things change don’t they now I’m the one going through a tuff time period and where are all those people I helped only Aoni has been here for me but yet I can’t tell her what I feel I don’t want her to worry. But I have reached my breaking point. Nothing can save me from this deep place I am. I tried my best but nothing was good enough.

I sit here and start writing my letter for Aoni. I just want her to know I grew to love her and appreciated everything she did for me but I can’t take it anymore.

Life is unfair. I cried as I finished off the letter and walked into my mom’s back garden, there it was the last rose, bright red and the perfect petals. I picked up the rose and walked back inside. I stamped the letter shut with the red wax. I set the flower and letter on the counter. I make my way upstairs as I cry, “is this the right choice” is all I can think. It’s late as i sit on my bed I call Aoni I clear my throat so she wouldn’t hear that i had been crying “hello” she answered I said hello back there was a point of silence Aoni I said yes ,she replied I sigh “I love you” is all i said to as i proceed to hang up.

I made my way down the hall. I reached the last door and entered my bathroom. I turned on the water as the water ran filling the tub up. I sat here with my thoughts taking over. I lay in the tub. I grabbed the blade that laid to my right. As I took a deep breath I knew there was no going back, white is all I could see, “my bone” is all I thought the blood ran down both my wrist. My time has come. I’m not happy with the choice I made but all I do is accept it. My body feels weak, it hurts. I can feel my body getting cold and hear the water running. My wrists both burn. I can feel my hands shake from the pain, Everything is getting dark.

It’s Saturday morning and I wake up remembering Ezra calling me out of my sleep. It was strange for him to call so late. As I call his phone it sends me to voicemail . That’s weird. I sent him a few text

messages with no reply. 2 hours have passed since I last texted him. Something doesn’t feel right. I decided to head to his house to check up on him. My gut kept telling me something wasn’t right as I drove over. When I arrived at his house I knocked on the door and there was no answer. I remembered that I had the spare key to unlock the door. The door opens and makes a small creak the house is quiet is he home I asked I could hear the sound of water running it’s probably the dishwasher I think to myself as i head into the living room to enter the kitchen i get a phone call from my sister she needed me to drop her off at her friends house. I headed back into my car that’s strange for him not to be home. Maybe he went out to catch some fresh air. I picked my sister up and I told her about Ezra how much of a great guy he was.

I dropped her off at her friend’s house “good luck he seems to make you happy” she said and closed the car door.

I still had a bad feeling. I drove back to Era’s house.

I unlocked the door and made my way to the kitchen.

It’s been an hour since I was last here. The sound of running water was still there as I checked the dishwasher. I stood there in confusion as I make my way upstairs I see a beautiful rose and letter sitting the counter I go over to see and it said my name my heart dropped I opened the letter, “Dear Aoni by the time you read this letter its gonna be to late, I just want you to know you changed my life and I really grew to love you after these months I spent with you thank you for all these great memories, Thank you for helping me after my mothers passing it meant alot to me. You’re the most beautiful person I have ever met, I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you. I love you, please take care of yourself, my beautiful girl”.

My heart sank as I called out for him. Please don’t tell me he made the wrong choice. As I ran upstairs I called his phone. I could hear it ringing. I followed the sound and it led me to his room, it was his phone peeking under his pillow. Panic raised in me the sound of running water ran through the quiet house.

I made my way down the hall as my heart raced. I reached the bathroom door and water was running out under the door. I opened the bathroom door and he was lifeless. I felt lightheaded. I ran to take him out of the tub. His body was cold ,blood still ran down his wrist. I cried and yelled. This couldn’t have happened, why didn’t I catch up, why didn’t I ask how he felt.

His death affected me more than anything before I felt empty again. He was the only person who truly made me smile and made me feel okay with myself, the only person I could be myself with, he was the only one who wouldn’t judge me and who I could count on with anything. My body was shaking. I kissed his cold face as he lays there lifeless “goodbye my beautiful soul”.

c

It’s Your Turn

Class of 2027