Peace

All she could hear was the distorted garble of the water splashing against her ears. The darkness kept the visual distractions at bay and she was able to slip down into a quiet space away from the banging outside her door. The space was empty, void of all feelings and emotions. Here she could at once quiet the patronizing thoughts that commented on her every move. Here she could at once just be. It wasn’t about finding happiness – she just wanted quiet - a place without the thoughts of her mother, her friends, or herself. In this place, the water was a distance sound like something heard in a memory. The banging on the door either had ceased or had slipped away with her thoughts. This place was a place of peace, a place where feelings, troubles, and drama were not wanted. She continued to lay there in solitude not feeling the surrounding water begin to turn cold and not hearing the pleading conversation on the other side of the door. She slipped into a conscience sleep.

She felt a phantom hand shake her awake. She immediately noticed the cold water and shivered. The banging was louder than before, more voices. He must’ve called the cops. She slipped out the tub, grabbing a towel to shield her from the cold. Her hands were now clean – free from any evidence. The door cracked as she dried the water from her legs. John’s face was red and streaked with pain. He had always been there for her even though he was Malcolm’s best friend. She didn’t mean to hurt him but unintentionally she had.

They allowe d her to dress. She put on her warmest sweater. She could still feel the cold water on her body. They walked her down the stairs and through the living room where it had happened. How did John know? Two people were snapping pictures and collecting things in little plastic bags. She saw the phone plunk into one. Bloody fingerprints. That’s how he knew. In his dying breathe he still found a way to annoy her. To spoil things. It would be definitely be his last and with that thought, she could finally relax. Finally find true peace.

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