I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to block out the bloody images, but my mind kept throwing memories of Jason at me, and as the tears tore to the surface I scolded myself harshly. No amount of tears would bring him back. I battled until the sweet sound of the alarm cut through my torment. Although I dreaded starting a new school, it was better than what the night held for me. I lay in bed listening to Sylvia help Emma get ready for her first day of second grade. I knew my stepmom would be leaving early to drop her off at her new private school before heading in to work at the hospital. I hoped Emma would like school but was sure she’d let me know if she didn’t. I smiled slightly thinking about her. She was the only thing that really made me smile anymore. After they left, I knew it was time for me to get going for the day. Of course, I tripped over the corner of a box that hadn’t fully been unpacked yet, stubbing my toe as I made my way to the bathroom. As my dad got ready for work, I could hear him moving about the kitchen.
