**WARNING ITS GOING TO BE REALLY SAD AND POSSIBLY TRIGGERING... I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE IM GOING WITH THIS**

      I shivered as I took my last few steps in the chilly air and approached my school. Autumn had just turned into winter in Pennsylvania and the temperatures just kept dropping. Soon, powdery snow would be lightly falling from the sky as I made my way to school every day.

        As I pushed open the glass door though, I could tell something was wrong. The lobby, which was usually filled with groups of students socializing was mostly empty, other than the few loners who were hanging around. Even the few teachers who stood in the morning watching over us were talking in small groups in hushed tones. Suddenly, the metallic ringing sound of the bell filled my ears and a flood of students came out of the large auditorium. Only there was something off about them, too. Instead of the obnoxious laughter and wide grins, there were only hushed whispers and stony expressions. You could hear each footstep echoing off of the walls of the hallway, from the soft padding of Converse clad feet to the sharp clicking of high heels. There were no playful fights among friends or any signs of joy.

      I carefully weaved my way through the sea of students, looking for one of my best friends, Hailey. She was one of the most popular girls in school with more friends than I can count. She was also one of those people who knew everyone's business. If anyone knew what had the entire school depressed, it was her.

      I found her by her locker quickly, her curly blonde hair sticking out in the crowd. However, when she turned to me I noticed that her always vibrant eyes were red and puffy and tears were slowly streaking down her face. When her shining eyes met with mine, more tears escaped them. Suddenly, she was running at me, engulfing me in a tight embrace. I was confused, but I hugged her back as she sobbed loudly into my shoulder. She was shaking violently, to the point where I thought she would collapse. Her tears easily soaked through my shirt and she was mumbling things, not forming any coherent sentences. When she finally calmed down a little, she pulled away.

      "A-Are you okay?" She asked me in a shaky voice. Another tear made its way down her cheek as she waited for an answer.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be...?" I told her, confusion clear in my voice. At first there was a look of pure rage on her face. But after a moment, her gaze softened into sympathy.

"Oh my god. No one told you, did they?"

"Told me what?  Hailey what are you talking about? What is going on?" My mind raced and I suddenly got very scared. I could here my heart beating in my chest. A few more tears made their way down her cheeks and she took a deep breath before she spoke again.

      "Its Alex... H-Her house caught fire last night. It completely burned to the ground. There's nothing left but dust," She let out a quiet sob before continuing, "She didn't make it out Elle. I-I'm so sorry."

      At first, I didn't feel anything. My mind went completely blank and I felt numb. No. Its not true. It can't be. All at once reality sank in and my world crashed and burned. Everything inside me crumbled. Its not true. It can't be. I repeated that over and over again to try and make myself believe it. But it didn't work. I fell to my knees, sobbing in the middle of the hallway. I tried to cover my mouth but I didn't care enough. I didn't care who saw or what class I missed. I didn't care about anything. My best friend in the world was gone and I was never going to see her again.

~~1 Month Later~~

I can't do this anymore. I just can't. How could I?

I haven't gone to school since I found out. I haven't done anything. I haven't slept, haven't spoken, or left my room. I've spent the last 29 days, 14 hours, and 27 minutes in bed crying and wondering if it's all worth it. How am I supposed to act normal, like there's nothing wrong when my best friend and partner in crime is dead? How am I supposed to do this? My sanity and my will to not do the unthinkable were crumbling. God, why did she have to go and die and leave me here all by myself with my destructive thoughts?

I went to the funeral 26 days ago. I stood my black dress staring at the cold grass dusted with morning dew. Everything was cold and miserable and the sting of death hung in the air. Friends and family gathered, some holding tissues to their eyes, others quietly observing. None of them deserved to be crying. They didn't know her like I did. Not her parents, not her aunts, not those sorry excuses for grandparents.

My bitter thoughts were interrupted when I was asked if I wanted to say a few words. So, I stumbled my way to the front, avoiding all of the stares. I started off my little speech, not quiet knowing where I was going with it. However, in the middle of my monologue, my eyes landed on her casket and my whole world melted again. Before I could recover, I found myself violently sobbing in the cold grass, going through one of the worst anxiety attacks I had ever endured.

Now it's day 30. I made my decision. I can't do this anymore.

Well damn. That got real depressing real quick. But seriously, I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. If ANY of you ever need to talk I'm always here. Don't you dare feel like you're bothering me in any way because I promise you're NOT. If you ever need someone to talk to, I will always be here for you! I hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to vote and leave a comment! LOVE YOU!!!