Insanity
Page 18
A place where I had died–twice.
Rue was ecstatic when she heard that I was coming home. She had told me over the phone that we had lots to catch up on, even though I’ve been gone for only three weeks.
But before I left, there was something I had to do.
Nova wasn’t in our room when I went to pack up my things. I ripped a piece of paper out from a notebook and scribbled down my address with a quick note for her and Jayden to come and visit me whenever they got to leave, even though that might not be until graduation.
But as I slipped out of my room, I had a sinking feeling that I wouldn’t see them again, or at least Nova.
I was walking down the hall with the last box of my things when a sudden thought hit me. Turning, I hurried down the halls, knowing that Mom and Dad were waiting out by the car for me.
After a moment of wandering the empty halls in silence, I finally found the staircase to the third floor. I hurried up them two at a time, then followed the narrow hallway toward the attic.
The door on top of the little staircase was unlocked. Relief whispered through me. I hadn’t even thought of it being locked. If it had been, I wouldn’t know what to do.
Inside, the attic was dark. I juggled around my box full of stuff for my phone to use my flashlight icon. The single beam sliced through the darkness, illuminating a very small portion of the room. I could smell the musty scent of ancient belongings, which have been long since forgotten. I looked around and found the object I was looking for sitting on the floor where I had placed it last.
Hugging my box against me with one arm while hanging onto my phone in my hand, I used my other hand to pick up the object. The metal was cool in my hand. Slipping it into the pocket of my coat, I quickly made my way out of the room, closing the door behind me.
***
A cool, wet wind blew, throwing my blond hair into my face as I slowly made my way toward the back of the cemetery. I tried to brush it away with my arm but with no prevail.
When I reached Casey’s and Emilia’s grave stones, I lowered myself onto my knees and just sat there, letting the silence wrap around me.
I wanted to say something to them, but I didn’t know what to say. There was just too much. All of the things that I’d experienced with Casey…all the memories I shared with Emilia…So instead, I looked down at the music box that I had taken from the attic. I ran a finger over the engraving: To my Amoy. I stared at the words until my vision started to become fuzzy. I blinked, then tilted it over, cranking it up. Once I wound it up all the way, I leaned over and placed it between the two graves, flipping up the lid. Music filled the surrounding air, embracing me in its sweet melody.
“Good-bye,” I whispered, the word barely audible on my lips. I slowly stood up, stuffed my hands deep into the pockets of my black trench coat, and turned away, leaving behind the secrets of Brier Hall.
Nova’s Playlist
“Bring Me to Life” by Evanescense (Em’s nightmares)
.
“Dark Waltz Music – Midnight Waltz” (Em’s first vision)
.
“My Immortal” by Evanescense (When Em finds out the truth)
.
“The Piano Duet” by Danny Elfman (Casey’s sad song)
.
“Dark Waltz Music – Veils of Starlight” (If movie: end credits)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Hey readers! There are so many people I want to thank for making this book possible and as wonderful as it is. Of course, like in all of my books, I want to thank my mom for her undying support.
Thank you Camille Radies and Danny Brandenburg for beta-reading this manuscript for me. Your thoughts, opinions, and encouragement mean so much to me.
And a shout-out to Alicia Rades for helping me with the typography for this cover. It’s amazing!
This was truly my favorite book to write (so far). I loved Em’s character, and I hope you did too.
♥
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kira Moericke grew up in a small city in Wisconsin where her love for reading blossomed. She’s currently attending UW Oshkosh to work on earning a degree in Journalism.
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