Fandomacc wrote this beautiful short story that deals with bereavement as well as issues regarding race, and I really like the ending! It makes you want to read more!

I awkwardly stumble into the classroom, shoving my bag under my table. Every student chats with the friends they have, and I do what I always do: stare out of the window at the striking green grass and the dancing trees.

I wish for Jay to walk in, to sit beside me like always. But that's inevitable. When someone's gone, they are gone for good.

Sighing, I pay my attention to the board in front of me, blank and useless. Just like me. Without Jay, life has gone haywire. Everyone thinks they need to say 'I'm sorry' or 'It was wrong' but they don't understand.

They don't understand how it feels to witness your best friend die in front of you.

It wasn't his fault he was shot. Not at all. Especially because they had no reason to. All he was doing was pulling out his car details, not some gun to kill the police with.

And the worst thing is, it's because of his skin colour. I know, the people around me know, and the police guy who shot him knows. Then again, who's willing to speak out?

The black girl who would say anything to get her revenge against the police? Because that's exactly what I hear people say. The rumours.

Everyone feels for the policeman who has gained sympathy. People have aimed tweets at him for his actions and he speaks out, claiming that my best friend from childhood, Jay, the sweetheart, was swearing at him and threatening him.

But of course they aren't going to listen to me.

The teacher walks in, settling her coffee down on the desk and typing in her user and password into the computer.

She turns towards the class, saying words which don't process in my brain. Do I speak out? Or do I stay silent? I know people want justice for Jay and I do to, but am I brave enough?

"...And welcome the new student into the class. Meet Bennett."

I look at the new boy staring at us all, his hands carelessly tucked into his pockets. He makes eye contact with me and comes towards me, sitting in Jay's previous seat.

"Hi, I'm Bennett. What's your name?"

I look into his eyes, reminded of Jay's hazel eyes. His eyes sparkle the same way in the sun and I know what I need to do.

I stick my hand out. "Hi Bennett. My name's Autumn and you're going to help me."