i was no where near creative.

but somehow, i had managed to create 3 yellow paper roses with pipe cleaner stems. 

the paper rubbed against my hand as i gently slid them into my front pocket, going slower to not crinkle my work.

i pedaled towards her small house, and noticed something strange.

a piece of pink paper was taped to the window right beside the door.

ignoring my instinct to grab the paper, i rammed my knuckles against the door.

i was once again left with the unsettling fear that she was on the floor, another bottle of pills in her grip.

the memory struck me and i let out a quiet cry, not wanting to remember her in that state.

i was about to knock again, but the door opened and a woman stood behind it.

"you must be cole," she said.

"yes?" confusion scrawled itself onto my face before she affirmed my concerns.

"i'm olivia's foster mom. she left this note," the woman nodded to the piece of pink paper, "for you so you didn't worry."

"thank you."

i grabbed the piece of paper that was labelled "cole" in delicate handwriting and flipped it open as the door in front of me shut.

cole,

i am fine, just visiting some relatives a few blocks from here.

please don't worry about me.

i don't like burdening you with my problems.

sincerely, olivia

i swallowed the lump in my throat and shoved the piece of paper into the pocket that contained the paper flowers.

who was she visiting?

i grabbed my bike and quickly decided to take the quicker route home, which would mean passing the grave yard.

i hated that place with passion.

my knuckles turned white as i gripped the handlebars and kicked off to go home.

the graveyard stared at me as i passed it, but i couldn't help but notice a brunette kneeling in front of two grave stones.

i could hear this girl's sobs, and i instantly recognized them.

olivia.