People think I killed the town’s golden couple.
I’m a villain in their fairytale gone bad.
I should be presumed innocent unless there’s clear evidence.
Something isn’t right.
I wonder if they have done everything they can.
There must be something proving that I didn’t do it.
Someone somewhere isn’t doing their job, and I’m stuck in limbo waiting for what happens next.
It isn’t fair.
I don’t freaking belong here.
If I ever get out, I’ll fly away.
Somewhere far, far away.
Maybe, I’ll finally move to New York like I always dreamed about.
Not sure how it will work without money, but I’ll find a way.
I know my family will understand.
Grandma Lou always does, even when she disagrees.
But once she realizes that there’s nothing to change my mind, she’ll support me.
That’s what I love about my grandma.
And I know she would do anything for her sunshine (= me).
Oh, how I miss her, Eli, Alina, great aunt Helen, and dad.
It sucks to be here alone.
I even miss that stray cat and her litter of kittens that live down the street from us.
I hope someone is feeding them when I’m stuck here.
If someone is listening, please let me go home soon.
I can feel another anxiety attack coming.
It doesn’t help to think about what I see, hear, or feel right now, as those have been the same for the past weeks.
At least my injuries are healing—something good about my current situation.
Like Grandma Lou and Helen like to say,you can’t polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter.
18
ROSE
Great aunt Helen has been like my second grandma ever since Grandma Lou passed away. She’s my rock and someone I love deeply. When she called me last night, I answered her call gladly.
