Story #2: Somewhere only we know

“Do you really have to leave?”, Sarah asked with tears in her eyes.

“I have no choice, Sarah.”

Seeing her like that made me not want to ever leave her side. However, being able to study overseas with all expenses paid by the school was extremely rare. I had no choice. It was for me, my family, education, and future with her. Sure, we were 16 and many think we’re too young to make decisions. But I spent enough time with her to know that she’s the girl I wanted to marry.

We were always together since we were born. Our mothers were best friends and naturally they always wanted us to get married in the end anyway. From kindergarten playpens to high school, we were inseparable.

Every night since we were 13, we would stay out late at an old playground just a few blocks away from our houses. Rusty swings, the smell of trees and grass, having sand stuck on our skin and the tingly feeling of ants crawling up our arms were all the things we embraced as we spent hours just talking about our day. The large elephant designed slide had a small hidden space enough for 2 people to be in. Despite the small space, it was always cooling and comforting to be in. I always thought it was because the company I had every night.

It was the day before I had to take my flight to America. I bought ice cream for the both of us. Double scooped chocolate was our favourite and we never failed to share a cup together each day we had a bad day or had something bothering us. Sharing ice-cream was our way of sharing our problems when we just could not talk about it.

Her hands gripped onto mine so tightly that at times we could feel each other’s pulse. Thoughts raced through my mind. How is she going to go on without me? Is she going to find someone new? Will I be able to murder that person without getting arrested?

“Eric, I want you to help me with something. A last request before you leave.”, her doe-like hazel eyes gazed at me. I simply nodded, not knowing what to expect.

She brought me to our usual spot. Sarah was always the neatest person I know so I figured she’d clean up the place today. The sun was setting and we were given a wonderful painting of pastel colors in the sky.

“I want you to read this letter when you reach home. Remember to visit me.”, she said and placed a folded note in my hand. I could hear her voice crack as she tried not to cry.

I opened my arms and pulled her closer for a hug. The smell of cherry blossom in her long brown hair lingered in my nose. We spent hours cuddled up and cozy but soon I had to leave first as I had to prepare for my departure. Sarah insisted on staying so I kissed her and left.

I proceeded in opening the note immediately upon reaching home. Teardrops dribbled down my cheek and landed on the pink strawberry scented paper.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me back to the playground, only to discover I was too late.

The girl I wanted to marry lay motionless on the wooden floor. Her hair kept neatly behind her ears and eyes wide open. Scarlet red blood drenched her white dress and even seeped through every inch the wooden floors. Her wrists and abdomen were ravaged by her own insane slashing of a swiss army knife, The cuts were so deep that blood pooled up and continued trickling down her limbs. I held her in my arms, covered her body with my jacket and moved her away from the floors. I used my strength to open the wooden floors up and placed her fragile body inside. As I covered back the floors, I caught a glimpse of her pale face smiling up at me.



Years passed and indeed I became something I am proud of. I had a job that made it easy for me to retire at 40 if I ever wanted to and still have enough money for my luxuries. But every year I’d return to my hometown and squeeze under that large elephant shaped slide with a cup of double scooped chocolate icecream. I’d sleep on the floors comfortably as I could smell cherryblossom in the air and sometimes I’d feel her warmth. I’d also talk to her about what has been happening and before I fell asleep on the floors, I’d always hear her whispering ‘Goodnight.’.

Her note remains in my wallet till this very day. The strawberry scent never faded.


“ Dear Tommy,


When you read this I’ll be gone. But atleast I’d be with you always. I’ll be watching you from above(or below, teehee!) but I’m always in your heart.
Do me a favour and keep me nicely under our spot. I don’t like a messy place!
Be the best you can be and promise to always visit me. Remember that I don’t like chocolate chips in my ice cream!


Love, Sarah. ”