In Loving Memory of Christina Grimmie

"I love you, Aphmau!"

"Aphmau, you're so great!"

No, these weren't the words of a lover. Nor was it from a parent, or sibling, or even child. These were the words of Aphmau's fans. Young, old, rich, poor.

It was the meet-and-greet for the show that she was the first opening act for. She was signing autographs, taking pictures, hugging fans. The usual.

Her boyfriend, however, was sitting beside her. He was the second opening act, and was also signing with Aphmau. There were several people, the line stretching out the door. The music from the concert rang through the room, and even the air was moving from the booming music.

"Thank you so much for coming," Aphmau smiled and hugged the teenage girl. The girl's face was bright red, and Aphmau hoped it was from happiness and not of anything else.

Aphmau sat back down, "Oh, I love these fans but there're so many of them!"

Garroth chuckled, "Is that really a bad thing, though?"

Aphmau shook her head, "I don't see it as one. But Irene, it's very tiring."

"We'll be finished before you know it."

Aphmau stood up once more when another fan walked up. Aphmau reached out and hugged her, "Hi! What's your name?"

"Amber! I'm such a big fan!"

"It's nice to meet you, Amber!" Aphmau greeted, "Are you from this area?"

The girl nodded, "I'm so happy I'm actually getting to meet you! Can I get a picture?"

"Absolutely." Snap. The picture was taken, and the next person in line approached.

Suddenly, a ringing sound exploded in Aphmau's ears. The world seemed to slow down, and the colors in the room seemed more vivid, more... alive.

Little did she know that she would be the opposite of that in less than an hour. Her eye lids fluttered to a close, and then the world was swallowed in darkness.

The last thing Aphmau heard was the sonorous voice of Garroth, sounding close to her ear, "Aphmau... I love you..."

She felt all means of life leave her body. Perhaps this is what was meant to happen. Perhaps this was to teach others to hold your loved ones closer. It could be your last time to hold them.

Garroth didn't loath the killer of Aphmau. After hearing about he committed suicide shortly after killing Aphmau, he wished for a different outcome.

He wanted to help.

~~~~~

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of Christina's death. It was such a disastrous day. I remember that day clearly, all hell broke loose inside of me.

I can vividly remember watching The Voice with the rest of my family, watching Christina in admiration and desperately hoping that this talented, intelligent young girl would win. I remember hearing about her not winning and being upset for the longest time. I remember following her on Instagram, Twitter, and as many social media networks as I could.

I didn't stay with her as long as I hope I had. But I can see it like it was only a few moments ago: I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across a photo with the hashtag #ripchristina

In complete and utter terror, I researched Christina Grimmie on Google. It was true. She had died that day: June 11, 2016.

This singer—this artist—was such a role model to me when I first heard about her. She was kind-hearted, intelligent, and so beloved to the point I cried in the living room surrounded by family. It was such a heart-wrenching event for me.

So moral of the story: Hold those you love closer.

I understand this one-shot was all over the place, but I just, finally, wanted to spill my emotions on Christina Grimmie's death. I can feel the load lifting off my shoulders.

With Love.
~Tara