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Nicky: Remember when he came into the garage for one of our practices and told us we sounded like a cat being murdered?
Emma laughed at the memory of her papa’s face twisted in horror after listening to their song.
Asher: He wasn’t wrong . . .
Ravi: Speak for yourself, asshole.
Leo: He always pushed us to be better. Mr. O was our biggest supporter.
Emma took a breath as tears prickled her eyes. He was. And how did I repay him? By not being here when he needed me most.
Ravi: Em? When is it? Send us the deets. We’ll be there.
Emma: I fucking love you guys. I’ll send the info over once I get it settled with Link and my auntie Yaa.
Leo: Awwww. You’re making me cry, sweet cheeks.
Emma barked out a laugh.
Nicky: She’s so poetic. It’s no wonder she writes songs that go platinum. LOL.
Asher: Em, be honest. You love me the most.
Ravi: Nah, she loves me more.
Emma: I take it back. I hate your ugly asses.
Leo: What did I do?!
Asher: Fickle woman.
Ravi: Ooooh, she gonna murder you now, son.
Emma: Okay, guys, I have to go. Try not to get into too much trouble while I’m gone.
Nicky: See? She still loves us. Why else would she care so much?
Asher: Don’t worry. The only thing I plan on getting into is a few *peach emoji* *winky face emoji*
Emma gave a tired chuckle and tossed her phone onto the bed before walking over and falling on it herself. Curling into a ball, she closed her eyes. The desire to go to sleep and not wake up swallowed her whole. Her phone pinged again, but she didn’t even have the energy to look at it. Dark emptiness settled over her.
Why did you have to leave me, Papa?
Did I disappoint you by not being there?
Will I ever be good enough?
Tears burned the back of her eyes. She clamped her eyes shut as a wave of grief overtook her. Her chest squeezed. It was all so heavy. Exhaustion stole her urge to cry. Fatigue like she’d never experienced crashed over her like a tidal wave. Each breath became a struggle. What if she just stopped breathing? Took a break from reality for a bit? What if she kept her eyes closed and never opened them again?
Sleep pulled her under, deeper into the darkness.
Wind whipped across Emma’s face, growing stronger. Cold water lapped at her feet as she stood in the shallow waters of the grey ocean. Her papa stood across from her on the shore. Next to him were her mother and Link.
“What are you doing here? You’re dead.” She glanced between her mother and Solomon.
Her mother shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Emma.” She turned around and walked away.
“Mom? Wait!” Emma took a step forward, but the water was deeper somehow, coming up to her waist.
