NATALIE

“ Anne. ” I call out her name again, higher in volume this time.

She doesn’t respond. The sound of her heartbeat drowns even more until it’s a weak tik-tik in my ears and nothing else.

“ Anne. ” I yelp, tears sliding down my cheeks.

I drop my head down, anger taking the place of hurt quickly. A thorn pierces my heart, making me bleed inside.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. It’s all my fault.

My hold tightens around her hand until I am unconsciously drawing her blood. The surge of energy shoots down my hand to her flesh, quick and soothing.

All the memories, all the moments, all my life flashes before my eyes. Her bright smile, the wicked ways, and those odd habits all make me cry harder.

We have been friends—true friends. She looked after me better than my own family. If anyone says it’s not true, I will never believe it.

And I—I killed her.

The words knock the breath out of me. My eyes snap open, landing on Anne's hand, which I am holding. There is some kind of blue