>>688979276Her grandmother had died some time during the night. By the time Elisa woke up for school that morning, she had already been dead for several hours.
At least she lived a long life, they said.
At least she died in her sleep, they said.
She didn't have to suffer, they said.
None of it mattered to Elisa. None of it made her feel any better. None of it helped fix the void in her heart.
I tried to be her rock, but I was pretty devastated too. I loved her gran like she was my own family.
Jake showed up at my house, the morning of the funeral. He was wearing a suit.
He gave me a hug and said another speech I'll never forget. He said "I know I fucked up a lot and I pushed you away. I know I'm not exactly a good person either. But Anon you're the best friend I've ever had. I'd die for you man. I know I was an asshole, but if you'd let me, I'd like to come with you, and support you and Elisa."
I forgave him on the spot. He came with us and he was the rock Elisa and I both needed. He was calm, collected, and he didn't say any of that stupid shit that other people say at funerals. He made it all so much easier.
I begged my parents to let Elisa live with us after the funeral.
But instead, it was decided that she would live with her next of kin.
Her aunt and uncle, who lived four states away.
I begged her not to go. Especially not now. But she didn't have a choice. Still, we swore to each other to talk every day, as much as possible.
at first, she did. but her replies started to slow. She revealed that her uncle forbade her from having a boyfriend.
Sometimes we'd go as long as a month without talking. And when we did finally get in touch, it wasn't a happy conversation. She just kept spiralling.
Still... we planned to go to the same college. it would all be ok in college, right? Just another year and a bit to go, right?
That was the plan. Our plan. It wasn't much longer!
