Page 142 of Pretty Thing

She sniffs, and it’s only then that I realize she is crying.

“Kris, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Kyle…he’s…he’s dead.”

I’m frozen, unable to move or breathe. This doesn’t make sense.

“What?”

“Dead…he was murdered,” she says and then begins to bawl. The words slowly sink in, and I sag into the couch.

“What’s going on,” Felix asks, the smile falling from his face as I lock eyes with him.

I shake my head.

“Kyle’s dead.”

The joy from a moment ago is gone, wiped away as I crumble. I can hear Kris crying and feel Felix holding me.

Why?

Why does this keep happening?

Every breath feels like I’m swallowing broken glass. The pain is just another stab in the never-ending attack on my heart. I’m left utterly lost in a universe that has taken my parents, my home, and now Kyle.

What have I done to make this world hate me so much?

Who have I pissed off?

What the fuck have I done?

forty

​. . .​

Eden

“Thank you for coming,” Kris cries as she hugs me. “I don’t understand this. I just don’t.”

Felix dropped me off two hours ago, and we’ve spent the entire time crying and holding one another while Mr. and Mrs. Newman take turns calling family.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” I say, and pull back.

The tears are still streaming down her cheeks. They haven’t slowed at all since I arrived, not that I’m much better.

“Okay, I love you, Eden.”

“I love you too.”

Opening the door, I step outside. Felix’s car is parked on the road. He gets out when he sees me and jogs over.

Felix gives Kris a nod.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he says.

Kris just glares at him and crosses her arms.

“Thanks.”