Mari’s Promise

The bathroom stall has been Mari's home and sole comfort ever since December 31st, 2000. It's December 31st today, the anniversary. It's been eighteen years since her best friend Adrian had been killed in a car crash.

She never got to admit to Adrian how she felt, and he could never tell her how he felt.

Today her feelings were bursting at the seams. She'd tried to eat breakfast but then vomited twice. How could she live on knowing her beloved Adrian was gone?

She'd made the decision a week ago, and she'd prepared all the necessary things she needed.

Mari Collins-Hemingsworth was going to commit suicide.

She couldn't hear Adrian cry behind her.

"Mari, my dear, don't do this," he whispers. "Don't leave this world, it's so beautiful." Mari couldn't hear him, she merely continues to set up the stool.

"My dearest, don't leave this world, you are loved, you are needed, you must move on. You must keep going, please." Tears rolling down her face, Mari stands on the stool and grabs the end of the rope. Her eyes close as she ties it around her neck.

"It is time for me to join you, Adrian, I'm sorry. I can't make it."

"Please, Mari, don't listen to those little voices in your head. You are loved. Don't die, please." As Mari prepares to kick down the stool, something stops her. She unties the rope and collapses to the floor. Adrian, crying, wraps his arms around her.

"I know you're here, Adrian. You'll always be here, I- thank you." She sobs and Adrian holds her in his arms.

"It's going to be okay, Mari. I'll always be here."