Chapter Text
The tinge of metal on her tongue, mixed with the scent of blood was the first thing Nikki registered. Then it was her trembling hand, clenched tightly around the gun. What the– she yanked the barrel out of her mouth and let it clatter onto the floor.
She felt tears slipping down her cheeks, dripping onto her lap. Wait. Something heavy was pressing her legs and chest down, barely leaving her room to breathe. She whipped her head down.
Oh– Oh my god.
No.
Bear.
Bear, her little brother, her beloved friend, her co-worker. Gone. His eyes were glassy, directed at Nikki, but they didn’t see her. Instead, his gaze pierced through the ceiling and up towards heaven. Like he deserved to be there.
All of a sudden, the memories came crashing back. Sarah’s head striking the brick. Ian collapsing after the gunshot. Bear locking himself up in the bathroom. Making the wish. Kissing Bear. Watching him die.
Nikki heard a broken whimper escape her. Gosh, it was disgusting, absolutely revolting, to have him laying on her lap, to be crying over him. She pushed him off as a burning fury surged up through her chest. That sick, twisted man. How could he? How could he leave me like this, to clean up the mess he made? It’s not fair.
It’s not fair.
She felt another wave of tears threaten to spill, blurring her vision. The taste of bile grazed the back of her throat. No, she shouldn’t cry. No, she should get up, leave, and run far, far, away. Off to another country. Anywhere but here.
Not here, not here, not here–
Nikki finally shattered. The sobs tore through her body, as she wailed, why; why did you have to do this?
Why did you have to take my life away from me?