DEAR DIARY
Chapter Five

Dear Diary--

I felt so bad sitting there, watching him mourn the death of his brother. I did my best to console him, but I'm afraid I didn't do much good. He must've cried for a solid hour before he said another word to me. He said he wanted to hear more, for me to tell him the whole story. The next two hours were hell. I don't think having to retell our story is the easiest thing I've ever done, and it certainly wasn't easy explaining to this man that Jack died for me. I thought for sure he would lash out, call me a murderer. Perhaps it would've been better if he had, for now that's all I can see myself as. That it's my fault Jack's not here with us. Surely there could've been some way to get both of us on that board. Thinking back, I know we didn't try hard enough. The grief of such thoughts has overcome me, and even as I write this, I cry. For the first time since that night, I haven't been able to control it. Every time I think that they're ending, my sweet Jack's image appears in my mind and I dissolve into tears once again. Steven had offered to let me stay with him, since I had mentioned that I wanted to learn more about Jack, but I politely declined. It's hard enough wandering around the town he grew up in, watching the people, wondering who knew him' and knowing they have no idea that Jack's never coming home. But to be in Jack's old house, among the things that had belonged to him' and having to face his brother, blaming myself as I do...I wouldn't survive. But he was kind enough to promise he'd stop by tomorrow and tell me things about Jack. I just hope that gaining this knowledge will help me regain my courage and strength so I can keep my promise to never let go.

Rose Dawson

Quietly tucking her diary under the mattress of the bed, Rose got up and sat down in front of the vanity that occupied her room. Staring at the reflection in the mirror, she felt an eerie feeling settle over her. Shivering, she tilted her head to the side when she suddenly thought she heard his voice. The words, "It's not your fault. I love you," were whispered, and Rose smiled. She wasn't sure if it was real, or just her mind playing tricks on her, but Rose took comfort in it anyway, knowing that no matter what, Jack was with her.

Chapter Six
Stories