Congratulations !
You have been awarded points.
Thank you for !
- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Mystery
- Subject: Crime
- Published: 12/27/2012
Rest In Peace (part 2)
Born 1994, F, from Portage MI, United StatesChapter 6 ~Lacey~
I knew I had to go to the heart of Death Valley, but I had a long journey a head of me. I wasn't sure what was a head of me, but I knew whatever it was it wasn't going to be pretty, and I would more than likely not like it at all. I knew I had to bite the bullet for this part, because everyone knows that you have to endure some pretty nasty things in order to really enjoy whatever the reward is at the end of the road. I knew that it would be hard both mentally and physically. I didn't know which one would be worse. I was ready though. I was more than ready.
I needed to do this like the living need to breathe.
This would be the only way I could ever find peace.
And if I never found peace, I knew I’d be stuck in this limbo would forever.
I began my trek across the Death Valley. It started out as a dessert. A long, vast land that was covered in sand fine white grains of sand. There was no water around me, but because I’m not living, I don’t need to be constantly drinking to survive. I don’t really ‘survive’ at all, because I’m already dead. Hey, there are some perks to being dead. I mean, not being able to die is one of them.
I heard something that I hadn't heard in ages: the distinct rattle of a snake.
Sudden fear gripped my heart. I suddenly couldn't move a muscle.
I didn't know why I didn't just run, but I did not seem able to move at all.
However, I couldn't say that I felt pain, because I’m dead.
The dead don’t feel things the same way the living do.
I looked around, and I saw it a split second before it got me.
I saw the slit eyes and the scales on the legless body. I saw the forked tongue flick out of its mouth. Then the snake reared up into an ‘s’ like shape. Then, the mouth opened, and the eyes seemed to get swallowed into the snake’s head, and then there was a flash of white as the fangs were unleashed from where they were hidden in the roof of the reptile’s mouth, and I watched them sink into my ankle.
I glanced at the creature, and saw it was a rattle snake, but instead of seeing the classic rattle of the rattle snake at the tail, I saw a baby rattle.
Instead of having the effects of venom; I experienced a memory
I was playing in the yard with my little sister, Lacey.
She had just been born just a few weeks ago, and I adored her already.
She was too little to understand what danger was back then.
I was barely old enough to understand what danger was.
She was a little baby at the time, and I was around ten.
I heard something near her. It sounded like a rattle of some sort. I glanced over to see what Lacey was doing, and then I saw the snake. It was dangerously close to my little sister, and she didn't look like she noticed that anything was amiss. She giggled happily, and played with her rattle. The snake hissed at her.
I think I called out for someone, but no one came.
I went over to my sister. I didn't know what I was going to do.
I picked her up as best I could. Then I felt a sharp pain in my ankle.
I looked down, and I saw the snake had bitten me.
The fangs of the snake lashed had out, and punctured though my skin.
I felt the pain of the injection of venom, but I didn't quite know just how much danger I was in. I didn't understand that I could die from this little bite.
I didn't really understand the whole concept of death at that time. To me, death was something like a person being lost. I didn't realize that they weren't lost… they were gone. I didn't understand that when a person died, they wouldn't come back. To me, Death was like a really long vacation; only they never returned.
I set Lacey down on our front step, and cried loudly because I was in pain.
I didn't know what else to do, and I knew that if I cried, someone would come.
Dad came out to see what was wrong. He picked me up, and looked at me
Now that I’m hearing him say it, I could tell he didn’t think I was hurt badly.
“What’s wrong, Kari?” He asked, looking at me. “Did you fall?”
“Owie,” I stated brokenly, pointing to the blood on my ankle.
“What is…” Dad never finished his sentence. He looked at my ankle and knew I’d been bitten by a snake. Then he heard the tell tale sound of a rattle snake.
“Owie, Daddy, owie!” I exclaimed, not knowing the danger I was in.
“I know, baby, just hang on. Daddy’s gonna take you on a car ride.” Dad said. Dad tried to sound like this was just another car ride, but I knew from the sound of his voice that something was wrong. Something was scaring my dad, and whatever it was must be really scary, because my dad is never scared. I became frightened, and began to cry. I was too scared to think, so I began to cry.
That was my first trip to the hospital, but it definitely wasn't the last.
I blinked, and looked at the snake with the baby rattle on its tail. I bent over, and picked it up; allowing it to coil around my fingers, and intertwine itself around me. I felt the muscles moving underneath the snake’s skin. It was like the snake was one giant muscle. I never noticed it before, but snakes were actually pretty cool animals. They were the perfect killer. They were quiet, smart, patient, and deadly. They are the perfect killers. However, I knew that it couldn't hurt me.
I mean, seriously, I’m already dead. What more could life do to me?
Actually, allow me to restate that question: what more could death do to me?
It wasn't like I could die again… at least, I don’t think I can die twice.
The snake melted into sand, and fell through my fingers.
Well, that was interesting. I wondered what would happen next.
Chapter 7 ~Through the Fish Tank~
That memory wasn't too painful. I mean, nothing really tragic happened, and it gave me a cool story to tell people when I was older on how I almost died because of a snake bite. You know, when I was alive and was able to tell other people about the snake bite. I even had the scars on my ankle as proof. They were two pinprick points that were about an inch apart from each other on my Achilles heel. It turns out that spot on the ankle wasn't just bad luck to Achilles. Apparently, it is bad news to me too. That, and the fact that I should watch where I step next time.
I continued on my way through the Death Valley.
Suddenly, another person was with me. It was that weird Ginny girl again.
“I’m back,” She informed me. I nodded at her then gave her a weird look.
“Wait, you left?” I asked, not remembering her leaving.
“Yeah, I did. I left when that icky snake came slithering along.” Ginny said.
“…Icky snake?” I asked, amused at her word choice. She looked miffed.
“Yes, icky. I don’t mind gore, or even death, but I don’t do snakes.” She stated. She gave me a look as if to dare me to tell her that snakes weren't icky.
I didn't. I didn't really like snakes either. They were too… bitey.
“Yeah, I guess so. I thought you didn't want me going here?” I asked.
“I don’t,” Ginny replied, looking straight forward. I glanced over at her.
“Then why are you following me?” I asked. “Why not try and stop me?”
“Do you think I’m stupid?” She asked me, glaring at me. I shook my head, taken off guard by her question. Of course I didn't think she was stupid. I wasn't really sure what to make of her just yet. She was still kind of… I don’t know… weird. “I know I can’t convince you to turn back, even if I wanted you to; which I do. I also know that you’ll want someone by you. You won’t want to be alone.”
“How do you know?” I asked. Ginny glanced at me.
“How do you think I know?” She answered my question with another one.
“…You have done this too?” I asked, feeling sad. I thought that if I went down this road that maybe I would end up in Heaven, or at least find peace.
“I tried… I couldn't do it.” Ginny said, shaking her head.
“What happened?” I asked. Ginny gave me a long look.
“I couldn't handle this place.” She murmured, looking around.
“You couldn't take Death Valley?” I asked.
“We all have our own Death Valleys.” Ginny told me, shrugging.
We were walking along the shore line of what appeared to be an ocean.
A sudden breeze kicked up, and a chill came through the air. The cold doesn't bother me anymore. It isn't like I can freeze to death or anything like that because I’m dead. There was a crackling noise, and the ocean froze over instantaneously. Ginny and I glanced at each other, and grinned. We then ran out onto the frozen water, and slid around like crazy. We laughed until our eyes watered from tears of joy. I didn't know you could cry in limbo, or where ever I am, but sure enough, salty tears began to fog up my vision, and I knew they were happy.
Then, a loud cracking noise came from beneath me.
The ice gave way under me with the sound that was a mix between breaking ice, and a cry of anguish. I was plunged into the icy waters below.
“Kari!” Ginny exclaimed, seeing me plunge into the water.
Oddly enough, the water wasn't cold. Or at least, it didn't feel cold to me.
Nor did I have to hold my breath. I felt like I was breathing through cotton, but I could breathe none the less. It was the strangest sensation I've ever felt by a long shot. I looked around me, and I saw a bunch of fish… huh, that’s weird… those fish look like the fish in my old fish tank that I had when I was alive. I looked up, and I saw the broken ice that looked a lot like broken glass… and suddenly I wasn't looking into limbo anymore, but I was looking into my home again. It looked the same as it had right before I was alive, and yet, somehow I knew that time had passed since I’d died. Dad was sitting down in a comfy looking chair, and had his head in his hands. He looked frustrated and sad. I touched the cool ice above me.
“Dad…” I murmured, silver bubbles coming out of my mouth.
Dad looked up and saw me. He rushed over to the broken ice.
I pressed my hands to the ice, and he mirrored my movement.
That was how close I could get to the land of the living. I was a glass width away from those that I loved. He was close to touching the land of the dead, and I was close to the land of the living. This proves that there are only thin lines that separate the two completely different worlds and how fragile life is. It can be taken from you in an instant like mine was. I took living for granted. No one expects to die, nor do they expect to live forever. I just thought I had a little more time.
I felt the ice melting beneath my hands.
I wondered what would happen if I melted through the ice…
Then, it happened. My hands melted through the ice, and our hands met each other’s hand. The living and the dead reunited once again. I saw tears in my father’s eyes, and my own eyes felt misty; although I couldn't tell if that was because I was underwater or if it was tears. He felt so warm… so alive. I wondered what I felt like. Was I cold as death? Was I wet? Dad clutched my hands.
And then someone grabbed me by the back of the collar and dragged me up.
“Kari!” Dad exclaimed, sounding shocked.
“Dad!” I cried out, hands still outstretched and grasping at him.
Chapter 8 ~Evidence Doesn't Lie~
David stared at the fish tank in shock. He still had his hands out, and could still feel his daughter’s hands in his, just like they were moments ago. His breath fogged up the glass to the fish tank, but he barely noticed it. David sat down on the ground, and stared at his hands. What just happened was impossible… Kari was dead, and he was alive… He couldn't have just touched her hands… but he had just held her hands. He had just held his baby’s hands, and they felt so warm and alive.
David stood up, and shook his head clear. He had to think straight.
He was going to find out what happened to his little girl no matter what.
Then his work cell phone rang, surprising him a little.
“Hello?” He answered, with a feeling of uneasiness in his stomach.
“Hello? David Sanderson? You might want to come and see this,” The voice replied. David recognized it as one of his fellow patrol men, and friend, Sam Gatewood. There was something funny about the way he was talking.
“Sam, what’s wrong?” David asked, as the bad feeling in his stomach grew.
“It is a new murder victim…” Sam murmured, hesitating on going on.
“What about it?” David asked. It wasn't like Sam to beat around the bush.
“It is a teenage girl in an ally way.” Sam said, quietly.
“I’ll be right over,” David promised, snapping shut his phone.
David made it to the crime scene within minutes. It wasn't too far from his house. It was actually the same ally that Kari took home sometimes to get home from school if she was in a rush. How many times had he told her to not take that ally? He told her time and time again that the ally was too dangerous. He could almost see her laughing, waving him off, and telling him that he worries too much.
David wished that she was there now to tell him that.
“What do we have here?” David asked. He saw the body.
She was lying, fully clothed, in a pile of trash, all sprawled out.
She was stabbed in the stomach, and her throat was cut too.
“David, the knife was found over there,” Sam said, pointing to a spot where a couple Crime Scene Investigators were dusting for prints and taking pictures.
One of them held an evidence bag, and inside of it was a bloody knife.
“…Do you think…?” David quietly asked Sam.
“Look, David, I don’t want to give you a bias. All I know is that Kari sometimes took this way home from school.” Sam said, giving David a sympathetic look. David looked at his friend, and knew that he thought this recent kill was somehow related to Kari’s disappearance. Why else would he have called him here?
“Sam, tell me your opinion.” David asked. “I can take it.”
“All I’m saying is that the last time someone saw her was when she was coming home from school and you and I both know that Kari likes to take this ally as a short cut. No matter how many times you've told her that it was dangerous, she still came this way. It just seems to be too much of a coincidence to have one dead girl here, and another missing. This kill looks like it wasn't the first. The stab wound is deep, and the cut throat was done in one fast fluid movement. There was no hesitation at all. We are either dealing with someone who was sure of what he was doing, or we are dealing with someone who has killed before.” Sam explained.
“Do you think that the man who killed her killed Kari?” David asked.
“It is possible, but without Kari’s body, who knows?” Sam asked.
“What do you think they will find on that knife?” David wondered out loud.
“I’m not sure, but whatever it is, evidence doesn't lie.” Sam stated.
“Yeah. Only the evidence and Kari knows what happened.” David said.
David turned his attention to the dead teenage girl. Her eyes were wide with fear and surprise. David wondered if that was what Kari had looked like when this happened to her; if this had actually happened to her. She wouldn’t have even seen it coming… she always did try to see the best in people. That was what kept her going; thinking and hoping that in everyone there was something good inside of them. It was also dangerous, and made her a little too trusting.
David shook his head. This felt like a dream, but he knew it was all too real. He reached out a hand, and he shut the girl’s eyes as a sign of respect for her.
She deserved respect from someone.
He last moments must have been hell on earth.
David went home feeling emotionally drained.
He collapsed into his chair, and he had nothing more to do but wait.
“David, where have you been?” Anna asked, looking worried.
“I got called into work, sorry, hone,” David said, weakly smiling at her.
“…Are you all right?” She asked, surely remembering his first episode.
“I don’t think so,” David replied, truthfully. Anna went over to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder in a tiny motion of sympathy. Ever since Kari had disappeared, their marriage had gone through a rough patch. Anna had turned more introverted, and didn't share any of her feelings to David. David blamed himself for her disappearance. He should have been there for her. David also thought that Anna blamed him for Kari’s disappearance, and he didn't blame her for blaming him either. This little sign of affection touched David to his core, and he knew that with time, they would heal. “But I think I will be,” He murmured.
Days past, and things seemed to get a little better between Anna and David.
David had just finished a great meal, and hugged and kissed his wife.
Then the phone rang.
“I’ll get this one, honey,” David said, smiling. Anna looked at him, smiling.
“Alright, just don’t take too long,” She said, her face flushed with laughter.
“I won’t,” David promised, remembering the woman that he fell in love with.
“Hello, David?” Came Sam’s voice at the other end of the line.
“Sam! What is it?” He asked, suddenly serious again.
“It is the results from the lab. They found two blood types on the knife. One was the most recent victim’s, but the other… it was Kari’s, David.” Sam said.
“Are you sure?” David asked, his worst nightmares confirmed.
“Yeah, listen, I’m really sorry, but there is more…” Sam hesitated again.
“Just tell me, Sam,” David said, feeling like his heart was made of lead.
“…There were prints on the knife that were lifted,” Sam continued.
“Sam. Tell me.” David demanded, now feeling tense.
“We know who killed your daughter.” Sam informed David.
Chapter 9 ~Good bye~
As Ginny and continued our way deeper into Death Valley, I could sense that we were getting closer and closer to where I have to go to know how I died.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Ginny asked me, glancing at me.
“I don’t know, to tell you the truth,” I admitted, shrugging my shoulders.
“You might not like what you find here,” Ginny warned, frowning at me.
“I know… but I have to know what happened to me.” I stated, determinedly.
“Some things are better left alone,” Ginny insisted.
“Are you trying to stop me?” I challenged her, feeling slightly betrayed.
“I can’t stop you, even if I wanted to. This is your choice.” She said.
“I have to know.” I told her. Ginny nodded, but she looked concerned.
“You are braver than I am,” She told me. “I got so close to knowing how I died… but I got scared. I stopped right before I’d know, and turned around. I couldn't handle it. I had made so many mistakes… and I’d gotten my uncle killed.” She told me. I looked at her, surprised. “I did what you have been doing. I’d been showing up in the world of the living. I couldn't let it go. My uncle was driven mad by seeing me, and being unable to figure out what happened to me. I think he got close… a little too close. He ended up meeting the same fate as I did. One minute I could find him in the mortal world, and the next, he was gone.” She said.
“So that is why you have been warning me about the ripple effect?” I asked.
“Yes. I don’t want your father to meet the same fate as my uncle.” She said.
“Ginny, this is what he was trained for.” I told her.
“No one is trained for losing a child.” Ginny told me quietly.
That quieted me. I knew that my parents would be hurting, but there was nothing I could do about here. I don’t know what bothered me more; the fact that I couldn't help my parents, or the fact that I’d never be able to say good bye them.
It was bad enough that they lost a daughter, but to lose her like this…
I couldn't imagine the pain that they were going through.
“Ginny, do you think that they will ever be the same?” I asked.
“The same?” Ginny asked, glancing at me. “No.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that,” I murmured.
“However,” Ginny continued. “I believe they will heal with time.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, confused.
“No one is ever the same when they lose someone they love,” Ginny explained. “However, with time, like all wounds, they heal. They will be left with scars that might stay with them their whole life, but they will live.”
“Ginny, will you ever go back to your Death Valley?” I asked.
“I’m not sure,” Ginny replied. “I’m content to be here for now.”
Then we came up to a field of grain. …I knew this place…
The grain waved, and gleamed in the sunlight. It looked like it was glowing with the sun’s rays. There was something familiar about this field, but I couldn't quite put my thumb on it. I felt my stomach tie itself into knots. For some reason or another, my body knew that there was something horrible coming up before my brain had a chance to remember what was happening. I stopped at the edge of the field, and Ginny did the same. She took in a deep breath, and looked at me.
“This is where I have to stop.” She said, not going any further.
“Wait, you aren’t coming with me?” I asked, feeling a little scared. I was comforted at the thought of not having to go through this alone like Ginny did.
“No. I’m sorry, but we all have to go through this alone.”
“What do you mean ‘we all’?” I asked Ginny. She smiled at me, sadly.
“All of us who are looking for closure.” She told me.
“How many of us are there?” I asked. Ginny cocked her head to the side.
“There are more of us than you think,” She replied.
“Ginny, I don’t know if I can do this,” I murmured, backing up.
“Don’t chicken out like I did.” Ginny told me. “Now get going.”
I turned back to the field, but then changed my mind.
“Ginny, I think I can-” I was about to stay here with Ginny.
However, when I turned around, Ginny was gone.
That was the last time I ever saw her.
It was just me now. I was past the point of no return. I’d made it this far, I might as well go the whole way. I shook my head, took in a deep breath, and began to walk through the field of grain.
Something on the opposite side of the field caught my eye.
It was a flash… and it reminded me of a camera.
I knew that if I could get to that flash, I would know what happened to me.
I began to run across the field.
Above me, the sky began to cloud over with dark thunder clouds.
I didn't notice. I just began to run faster towards the flashes.
Then, my foot struck something that was hidden in the grain, and I took a face-first dive onto the ground. I landed with a gentle thud in the grain.
My heart raced for some reason as I cleared the grain to see what tripped me.
Rain started to fall on me, but I didn't notice really.
I cleared away the grain, and I stared at a white cross.
Thunder cracked above me, and I stared up into the sky.
Lighting flashed, only now it looked like headlights flashing at me, and the thunder sounded like a horn blaring at me. That is what triggered it.
That is what triggered the memory of the worst day of my life.
Chapter 10 ~Gone~
“Kari! Wait up!” A little voice called out to me.
I was little, and I was riding my big girl bike. I was so proud of myself.
Dad had let Lacey and me go on a bike ride all on our own.
I was tired of waiting up for her though. She was so slow!
I crossed a street, and Lacey was still far behind me.
“Wait up, Kari!” Lacey called out to me for the hundredth time. It took every ounce of patients in my little body to not yell up into the sky in frustration. When would she just understand that she is too little to do everything that I can do?
“No! You get faster!” I challenged, feeling annoyed.
I did not want to slow down again for her. I just wanted to get home.
“Kari, I can’t!” Lacey wined, huffing and puffing with her training wheels.
I glanced back at her, and even though she was far away I could still see the rosy flush to her cheeks because she was trying so hard. I didn't even think that she might pass out because of pure exhaustion. That wasn't how children think.
“Fine,” I grumbled, stopping and rolling my eyes. I was always put in charge of looking after the baby. I couldn't stand it. All I wanted to do was go on a nice bike ride all by myself, but no! Lacey had to ask if she could come with me, and Mom and Dad just can’t resist her big blue eyes. Lacey was a baby.
She was two whole years younger than I was. I was a big kid. This was supposed to be my bike ride all by myself, but Mom and Dad told me to watch out for my little sister. That seemed to be the only thing I ever did was look out for Lacey. For once I just wanted to do something by myself. Lacey was always trying to do whatever I was doing; just like she was doing on the bike ride. She thinks that she can keep up with me, but she can’t. I don’t understand why she even tries.
I turn around, about to take off again, but the sound of a car horn stops me.
I turn back around to look for Lacey, and I spot her:
She is sitting on her bike, in the middle of the street. The car was going too fast, and it can’t stop, and she was staring at it frozen with fear like a deer.
“Lacey, get out of the way!!” I scream at her, fear gripping my heart.
“Kari!!” She screams, but her scream is drowned out by the car horn.
“LACEY!!” I screamed, but she was already gone.
“Lacey!” I screamed, coming back to the Limbo land.
I stared at the cross that had tripped me.
On the bar that went across, in golden letters was Lacey’s name.
Tears blurred my vision as I caressed the cross with my fingers.
I sat there on my knees staring at the little white cross.
“I’m so sorry, Lacey,” I whispered, trying to not to cry. “I love you…”
Where ever she was now, I’m sure that she couldn't hear me…
I shook my head. I needed to keep on going… but I kept on getting stuck on that little white cross. Did I really deserve to go to Heaven after what happened with Lacey? If I had just paid a little more attention to her, and less attention to what I wanted, then maybe I could have helped her, or stopped her from coming out into the street before she could look both ways. I should have pushed her out of the way of that speeding car. It should have been me. I could have done something.
The rain was coming down harder, but the thunder and lightning stopped.
I was now openly crying. I didn't know if I could go on from here…
I felt like Lacey somehow still needed me to be here with her.
But then I saw that little flash of light again. The curiosity came back within me like a title wave. I knew that I couldn't just stop here. I needed to know what happened to me, and I needed to help Dad get closure about me. If he felt anything like how I feel about Lacey, he will need all the help he can get to help him.
I caressed the little cross again, but this time it was a little good bye
“Good bye, little sis, I love you,” I told her again, as if she could hear me.
I stood up, and felt oddly better. It had been awhile since I had thought about Lacey or how she died. It was like I’d finally put her soul to rest. I finally realized something that I couldn't understand for the past seven years: Lacey’s death wasn't my fault. There wasn't anything I could have done to change what had happened to her. I was a little kid, and didn't know any better. What happened to Lacey was a tragedy, something no one could have predicted nor prevented.
I didn't once look back when I walked out of that field of grain.
I stepped into a small patch of woods, and saw that flash of light again.
Only this time it didn't flash off. It just stayed there, glowing brightly like a little orb of light. I knew that all I needed to do was touch it and I’d know what had happened to me. I felt my heart racing at the thought to finally knowing this.
Then, I put my hand out to grab the light…
But then I hesitated. I thought about what Ginny had told me.
Did I really want to know what had happened to me? Could I handle what was coming next? I knew that the next memory would be the hardest one to handle.
My breathing came out in frightened little gasps.
My hand trembled in front of me, and I felt a bead of sweat drip off my head.
Yes. This was why I came here. I couldn't turn back now.
I put on my brave face, and caught the little ball of light in my hand.
The light suddenly grew brighter and brighter….
And then it engulfed me completely.
Continued in Part 3...
Rest In Peace (part 2)(Becca Timmerman)
Chapter 6 ~Lacey~
I knew I had to go to the heart of Death Valley, but I had a long journey a head of me. I wasn't sure what was a head of me, but I knew whatever it was it wasn't going to be pretty, and I would more than likely not like it at all. I knew I had to bite the bullet for this part, because everyone knows that you have to endure some pretty nasty things in order to really enjoy whatever the reward is at the end of the road. I knew that it would be hard both mentally and physically. I didn't know which one would be worse. I was ready though. I was more than ready.
I needed to do this like the living need to breathe.
This would be the only way I could ever find peace.
And if I never found peace, I knew I’d be stuck in this limbo would forever.
I began my trek across the Death Valley. It started out as a dessert. A long, vast land that was covered in sand fine white grains of sand. There was no water around me, but because I’m not living, I don’t need to be constantly drinking to survive. I don’t really ‘survive’ at all, because I’m already dead. Hey, there are some perks to being dead. I mean, not being able to die is one of them.
I heard something that I hadn't heard in ages: the distinct rattle of a snake.
Sudden fear gripped my heart. I suddenly couldn't move a muscle.
I didn't know why I didn't just run, but I did not seem able to move at all.
However, I couldn't say that I felt pain, because I’m dead.
The dead don’t feel things the same way the living do.
I looked around, and I saw it a split second before it got me.
I saw the slit eyes and the scales on the legless body. I saw the forked tongue flick out of its mouth. Then the snake reared up into an ‘s’ like shape. Then, the mouth opened, and the eyes seemed to get swallowed into the snake’s head, and then there was a flash of white as the fangs were unleashed from where they were hidden in the roof of the reptile’s mouth, and I watched them sink into my ankle.
I glanced at the creature, and saw it was a rattle snake, but instead of seeing the classic rattle of the rattle snake at the tail, I saw a baby rattle.
Instead of having the effects of venom; I experienced a memory
I was playing in the yard with my little sister, Lacey.
She had just been born just a few weeks ago, and I adored her already.
She was too little to understand what danger was back then.
I was barely old enough to understand what danger was.
She was a little baby at the time, and I was around ten.
I heard something near her. It sounded like a rattle of some sort. I glanced over to see what Lacey was doing, and then I saw the snake. It was dangerously close to my little sister, and she didn't look like she noticed that anything was amiss. She giggled happily, and played with her rattle. The snake hissed at her.
I think I called out for someone, but no one came.
I went over to my sister. I didn't know what I was going to do.
I picked her up as best I could. Then I felt a sharp pain in my ankle.
I looked down, and I saw the snake had bitten me.
The fangs of the snake lashed had out, and punctured though my skin.
I felt the pain of the injection of venom, but I didn't quite know just how much danger I was in. I didn't understand that I could die from this little bite.
I didn't really understand the whole concept of death at that time. To me, death was something like a person being lost. I didn't realize that they weren't lost… they were gone. I didn't understand that when a person died, they wouldn't come back. To me, Death was like a really long vacation; only they never returned.
I set Lacey down on our front step, and cried loudly because I was in pain.
I didn't know what else to do, and I knew that if I cried, someone would come.
Dad came out to see what was wrong. He picked me up, and looked at me
Now that I’m hearing him say it, I could tell he didn’t think I was hurt badly.
“What’s wrong, Kari?” He asked, looking at me. “Did you fall?”
“Owie,” I stated brokenly, pointing to the blood on my ankle.
“What is…” Dad never finished his sentence. He looked at my ankle and knew I’d been bitten by a snake. Then he heard the tell tale sound of a rattle snake.
“Owie, Daddy, owie!” I exclaimed, not knowing the danger I was in.
“I know, baby, just hang on. Daddy’s gonna take you on a car ride.” Dad said. Dad tried to sound like this was just another car ride, but I knew from the sound of his voice that something was wrong. Something was scaring my dad, and whatever it was must be really scary, because my dad is never scared. I became frightened, and began to cry. I was too scared to think, so I began to cry.
That was my first trip to the hospital, but it definitely wasn't the last.
I blinked, and looked at the snake with the baby rattle on its tail. I bent over, and picked it up; allowing it to coil around my fingers, and intertwine itself around me. I felt the muscles moving underneath the snake’s skin. It was like the snake was one giant muscle. I never noticed it before, but snakes were actually pretty cool animals. They were the perfect killer. They were quiet, smart, patient, and deadly. They are the perfect killers. However, I knew that it couldn't hurt me.
I mean, seriously, I’m already dead. What more could life do to me?
Actually, allow me to restate that question: what more could death do to me?
It wasn't like I could die again… at least, I don’t think I can die twice.
The snake melted into sand, and fell through my fingers.
Well, that was interesting. I wondered what would happen next.
Chapter 7 ~Through the Fish Tank~
That memory wasn't too painful. I mean, nothing really tragic happened, and it gave me a cool story to tell people when I was older on how I almost died because of a snake bite. You know, when I was alive and was able to tell other people about the snake bite. I even had the scars on my ankle as proof. They were two pinprick points that were about an inch apart from each other on my Achilles heel. It turns out that spot on the ankle wasn't just bad luck to Achilles. Apparently, it is bad news to me too. That, and the fact that I should watch where I step next time.
I continued on my way through the Death Valley.
Suddenly, another person was with me. It was that weird Ginny girl again.
“I’m back,” She informed me. I nodded at her then gave her a weird look.
“Wait, you left?” I asked, not remembering her leaving.
“Yeah, I did. I left when that icky snake came slithering along.” Ginny said.
“…Icky snake?” I asked, amused at her word choice. She looked miffed.
“Yes, icky. I don’t mind gore, or even death, but I don’t do snakes.” She stated. She gave me a look as if to dare me to tell her that snakes weren't icky.
I didn't. I didn't really like snakes either. They were too… bitey.
“Yeah, I guess so. I thought you didn't want me going here?” I asked.
“I don’t,” Ginny replied, looking straight forward. I glanced over at her.
“Then why are you following me?” I asked. “Why not try and stop me?”
“Do you think I’m stupid?” She asked me, glaring at me. I shook my head, taken off guard by her question. Of course I didn't think she was stupid. I wasn't really sure what to make of her just yet. She was still kind of… I don’t know… weird. “I know I can’t convince you to turn back, even if I wanted you to; which I do. I also know that you’ll want someone by you. You won’t want to be alone.”
“How do you know?” I asked. Ginny glanced at me.
“How do you think I know?” She answered my question with another one.
“…You have done this too?” I asked, feeling sad. I thought that if I went down this road that maybe I would end up in Heaven, or at least find peace.
“I tried… I couldn't do it.” Ginny said, shaking her head.
“What happened?” I asked. Ginny gave me a long look.
“I couldn't handle this place.” She murmured, looking around.
“You couldn't take Death Valley?” I asked.
“We all have our own Death Valleys.” Ginny told me, shrugging.
We were walking along the shore line of what appeared to be an ocean.
A sudden breeze kicked up, and a chill came through the air. The cold doesn't bother me anymore. It isn't like I can freeze to death or anything like that because I’m dead. There was a crackling noise, and the ocean froze over instantaneously. Ginny and I glanced at each other, and grinned. We then ran out onto the frozen water, and slid around like crazy. We laughed until our eyes watered from tears of joy. I didn't know you could cry in limbo, or where ever I am, but sure enough, salty tears began to fog up my vision, and I knew they were happy.
Then, a loud cracking noise came from beneath me.
The ice gave way under me with the sound that was a mix between breaking ice, and a cry of anguish. I was plunged into the icy waters below.
“Kari!” Ginny exclaimed, seeing me plunge into the water.
Oddly enough, the water wasn't cold. Or at least, it didn't feel cold to me.
Nor did I have to hold my breath. I felt like I was breathing through cotton, but I could breathe none the less. It was the strangest sensation I've ever felt by a long shot. I looked around me, and I saw a bunch of fish… huh, that’s weird… those fish look like the fish in my old fish tank that I had when I was alive. I looked up, and I saw the broken ice that looked a lot like broken glass… and suddenly I wasn't looking into limbo anymore, but I was looking into my home again. It looked the same as it had right before I was alive, and yet, somehow I knew that time had passed since I’d died. Dad was sitting down in a comfy looking chair, and had his head in his hands. He looked frustrated and sad. I touched the cool ice above me.
“Dad…” I murmured, silver bubbles coming out of my mouth.
Dad looked up and saw me. He rushed over to the broken ice.
I pressed my hands to the ice, and he mirrored my movement.
That was how close I could get to the land of the living. I was a glass width away from those that I loved. He was close to touching the land of the dead, and I was close to the land of the living. This proves that there are only thin lines that separate the two completely different worlds and how fragile life is. It can be taken from you in an instant like mine was. I took living for granted. No one expects to die, nor do they expect to live forever. I just thought I had a little more time.
I felt the ice melting beneath my hands.
I wondered what would happen if I melted through the ice…
Then, it happened. My hands melted through the ice, and our hands met each other’s hand. The living and the dead reunited once again. I saw tears in my father’s eyes, and my own eyes felt misty; although I couldn't tell if that was because I was underwater or if it was tears. He felt so warm… so alive. I wondered what I felt like. Was I cold as death? Was I wet? Dad clutched my hands.
And then someone grabbed me by the back of the collar and dragged me up.
“Kari!” Dad exclaimed, sounding shocked.
“Dad!” I cried out, hands still outstretched and grasping at him.
Chapter 8 ~Evidence Doesn't Lie~
David stared at the fish tank in shock. He still had his hands out, and could still feel his daughter’s hands in his, just like they were moments ago. His breath fogged up the glass to the fish tank, but he barely noticed it. David sat down on the ground, and stared at his hands. What just happened was impossible… Kari was dead, and he was alive… He couldn't have just touched her hands… but he had just held her hands. He had just held his baby’s hands, and they felt so warm and alive.
David stood up, and shook his head clear. He had to think straight.
He was going to find out what happened to his little girl no matter what.
Then his work cell phone rang, surprising him a little.
“Hello?” He answered, with a feeling of uneasiness in his stomach.
“Hello? David Sanderson? You might want to come and see this,” The voice replied. David recognized it as one of his fellow patrol men, and friend, Sam Gatewood. There was something funny about the way he was talking.
“Sam, what’s wrong?” David asked, as the bad feeling in his stomach grew.
“It is a new murder victim…” Sam murmured, hesitating on going on.
“What about it?” David asked. It wasn't like Sam to beat around the bush.
“It is a teenage girl in an ally way.” Sam said, quietly.
“I’ll be right over,” David promised, snapping shut his phone.
David made it to the crime scene within minutes. It wasn't too far from his house. It was actually the same ally that Kari took home sometimes to get home from school if she was in a rush. How many times had he told her to not take that ally? He told her time and time again that the ally was too dangerous. He could almost see her laughing, waving him off, and telling him that he worries too much.
David wished that she was there now to tell him that.
“What do we have here?” David asked. He saw the body.
She was lying, fully clothed, in a pile of trash, all sprawled out.
She was stabbed in the stomach, and her throat was cut too.
“David, the knife was found over there,” Sam said, pointing to a spot where a couple Crime Scene Investigators were dusting for prints and taking pictures.
One of them held an evidence bag, and inside of it was a bloody knife.
“…Do you think…?” David quietly asked Sam.
“Look, David, I don’t want to give you a bias. All I know is that Kari sometimes took this way home from school.” Sam said, giving David a sympathetic look. David looked at his friend, and knew that he thought this recent kill was somehow related to Kari’s disappearance. Why else would he have called him here?
“Sam, tell me your opinion.” David asked. “I can take it.”
“All I’m saying is that the last time someone saw her was when she was coming home from school and you and I both know that Kari likes to take this ally as a short cut. No matter how many times you've told her that it was dangerous, she still came this way. It just seems to be too much of a coincidence to have one dead girl here, and another missing. This kill looks like it wasn't the first. The stab wound is deep, and the cut throat was done in one fast fluid movement. There was no hesitation at all. We are either dealing with someone who was sure of what he was doing, or we are dealing with someone who has killed before.” Sam explained.
“Do you think that the man who killed her killed Kari?” David asked.
“It is possible, but without Kari’s body, who knows?” Sam asked.
“What do you think they will find on that knife?” David wondered out loud.
“I’m not sure, but whatever it is, evidence doesn't lie.” Sam stated.
“Yeah. Only the evidence and Kari knows what happened.” David said.
David turned his attention to the dead teenage girl. Her eyes were wide with fear and surprise. David wondered if that was what Kari had looked like when this happened to her; if this had actually happened to her. She wouldn’t have even seen it coming… she always did try to see the best in people. That was what kept her going; thinking and hoping that in everyone there was something good inside of them. It was also dangerous, and made her a little too trusting.
David shook his head. This felt like a dream, but he knew it was all too real. He reached out a hand, and he shut the girl’s eyes as a sign of respect for her.
She deserved respect from someone.
He last moments must have been hell on earth.
David went home feeling emotionally drained.
He collapsed into his chair, and he had nothing more to do but wait.
“David, where have you been?” Anna asked, looking worried.
“I got called into work, sorry, hone,” David said, weakly smiling at her.
“…Are you all right?” She asked, surely remembering his first episode.
“I don’t think so,” David replied, truthfully. Anna went over to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder in a tiny motion of sympathy. Ever since Kari had disappeared, their marriage had gone through a rough patch. Anna had turned more introverted, and didn't share any of her feelings to David. David blamed himself for her disappearance. He should have been there for her. David also thought that Anna blamed him for Kari’s disappearance, and he didn't blame her for blaming him either. This little sign of affection touched David to his core, and he knew that with time, they would heal. “But I think I will be,” He murmured.
Days past, and things seemed to get a little better between Anna and David.
David had just finished a great meal, and hugged and kissed his wife.
Then the phone rang.
“I’ll get this one, honey,” David said, smiling. Anna looked at him, smiling.
“Alright, just don’t take too long,” She said, her face flushed with laughter.
“I won’t,” David promised, remembering the woman that he fell in love with.
“Hello, David?” Came Sam’s voice at the other end of the line.
“Sam! What is it?” He asked, suddenly serious again.
“It is the results from the lab. They found two blood types on the knife. One was the most recent victim’s, but the other… it was Kari’s, David.” Sam said.
“Are you sure?” David asked, his worst nightmares confirmed.
“Yeah, listen, I’m really sorry, but there is more…” Sam hesitated again.
“Just tell me, Sam,” David said, feeling like his heart was made of lead.
“…There were prints on the knife that were lifted,” Sam continued.
“Sam. Tell me.” David demanded, now feeling tense.
“We know who killed your daughter.” Sam informed David.
Chapter 9 ~Good bye~
As Ginny and continued our way deeper into Death Valley, I could sense that we were getting closer and closer to where I have to go to know how I died.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Ginny asked me, glancing at me.
“I don’t know, to tell you the truth,” I admitted, shrugging my shoulders.
“You might not like what you find here,” Ginny warned, frowning at me.
“I know… but I have to know what happened to me.” I stated, determinedly.
“Some things are better left alone,” Ginny insisted.
“Are you trying to stop me?” I challenged her, feeling slightly betrayed.
“I can’t stop you, even if I wanted to. This is your choice.” She said.
“I have to know.” I told her. Ginny nodded, but she looked concerned.
“You are braver than I am,” She told me. “I got so close to knowing how I died… but I got scared. I stopped right before I’d know, and turned around. I couldn't handle it. I had made so many mistakes… and I’d gotten my uncle killed.” She told me. I looked at her, surprised. “I did what you have been doing. I’d been showing up in the world of the living. I couldn't let it go. My uncle was driven mad by seeing me, and being unable to figure out what happened to me. I think he got close… a little too close. He ended up meeting the same fate as I did. One minute I could find him in the mortal world, and the next, he was gone.” She said.
“So that is why you have been warning me about the ripple effect?” I asked.
“Yes. I don’t want your father to meet the same fate as my uncle.” She said.
“Ginny, this is what he was trained for.” I told her.
“No one is trained for losing a child.” Ginny told me quietly.
That quieted me. I knew that my parents would be hurting, but there was nothing I could do about here. I don’t know what bothered me more; the fact that I couldn't help my parents, or the fact that I’d never be able to say good bye them.
It was bad enough that they lost a daughter, but to lose her like this…
I couldn't imagine the pain that they were going through.
“Ginny, do you think that they will ever be the same?” I asked.
“The same?” Ginny asked, glancing at me. “No.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that,” I murmured.
“However,” Ginny continued. “I believe they will heal with time.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, confused.
“No one is ever the same when they lose someone they love,” Ginny explained. “However, with time, like all wounds, they heal. They will be left with scars that might stay with them their whole life, but they will live.”
“Ginny, will you ever go back to your Death Valley?” I asked.
“I’m not sure,” Ginny replied. “I’m content to be here for now.”
Then we came up to a field of grain. …I knew this place…
The grain waved, and gleamed in the sunlight. It looked like it was glowing with the sun’s rays. There was something familiar about this field, but I couldn't quite put my thumb on it. I felt my stomach tie itself into knots. For some reason or another, my body knew that there was something horrible coming up before my brain had a chance to remember what was happening. I stopped at the edge of the field, and Ginny did the same. She took in a deep breath, and looked at me.
“This is where I have to stop.” She said, not going any further.
“Wait, you aren’t coming with me?” I asked, feeling a little scared. I was comforted at the thought of not having to go through this alone like Ginny did.
“No. I’m sorry, but we all have to go through this alone.”
“What do you mean ‘we all’?” I asked Ginny. She smiled at me, sadly.
“All of us who are looking for closure.” She told me.
“How many of us are there?” I asked. Ginny cocked her head to the side.
“There are more of us than you think,” She replied.
“Ginny, I don’t know if I can do this,” I murmured, backing up.
“Don’t chicken out like I did.” Ginny told me. “Now get going.”
I turned back to the field, but then changed my mind.
“Ginny, I think I can-” I was about to stay here with Ginny.
However, when I turned around, Ginny was gone.
That was the last time I ever saw her.
It was just me now. I was past the point of no return. I’d made it this far, I might as well go the whole way. I shook my head, took in a deep breath, and began to walk through the field of grain.
Something on the opposite side of the field caught my eye.
It was a flash… and it reminded me of a camera.
I knew that if I could get to that flash, I would know what happened to me.
I began to run across the field.
Above me, the sky began to cloud over with dark thunder clouds.
I didn't notice. I just began to run faster towards the flashes.
Then, my foot struck something that was hidden in the grain, and I took a face-first dive onto the ground. I landed with a gentle thud in the grain.
My heart raced for some reason as I cleared the grain to see what tripped me.
Rain started to fall on me, but I didn't notice really.
I cleared away the grain, and I stared at a white cross.
Thunder cracked above me, and I stared up into the sky.
Lighting flashed, only now it looked like headlights flashing at me, and the thunder sounded like a horn blaring at me. That is what triggered it.
That is what triggered the memory of the worst day of my life.
Chapter 10 ~Gone~
“Kari! Wait up!” A little voice called out to me.
I was little, and I was riding my big girl bike. I was so proud of myself.
Dad had let Lacey and me go on a bike ride all on our own.
I was tired of waiting up for her though. She was so slow!
I crossed a street, and Lacey was still far behind me.
“Wait up, Kari!” Lacey called out to me for the hundredth time. It took every ounce of patients in my little body to not yell up into the sky in frustration. When would she just understand that she is too little to do everything that I can do?
“No! You get faster!” I challenged, feeling annoyed.
I did not want to slow down again for her. I just wanted to get home.
“Kari, I can’t!” Lacey wined, huffing and puffing with her training wheels.
I glanced back at her, and even though she was far away I could still see the rosy flush to her cheeks because she was trying so hard. I didn't even think that she might pass out because of pure exhaustion. That wasn't how children think.
“Fine,” I grumbled, stopping and rolling my eyes. I was always put in charge of looking after the baby. I couldn't stand it. All I wanted to do was go on a nice bike ride all by myself, but no! Lacey had to ask if she could come with me, and Mom and Dad just can’t resist her big blue eyes. Lacey was a baby.
She was two whole years younger than I was. I was a big kid. This was supposed to be my bike ride all by myself, but Mom and Dad told me to watch out for my little sister. That seemed to be the only thing I ever did was look out for Lacey. For once I just wanted to do something by myself. Lacey was always trying to do whatever I was doing; just like she was doing on the bike ride. She thinks that she can keep up with me, but she can’t. I don’t understand why she even tries.
I turn around, about to take off again, but the sound of a car horn stops me.
I turn back around to look for Lacey, and I spot her:
She is sitting on her bike, in the middle of the street. The car was going too fast, and it can’t stop, and she was staring at it frozen with fear like a deer.
“Lacey, get out of the way!!” I scream at her, fear gripping my heart.
“Kari!!” She screams, but her scream is drowned out by the car horn.
“LACEY!!” I screamed, but she was already gone.
“Lacey!” I screamed, coming back to the Limbo land.
I stared at the cross that had tripped me.
On the bar that went across, in golden letters was Lacey’s name.
Tears blurred my vision as I caressed the cross with my fingers.
I sat there on my knees staring at the little white cross.
“I’m so sorry, Lacey,” I whispered, trying to not to cry. “I love you…”
Where ever she was now, I’m sure that she couldn't hear me…
I shook my head. I needed to keep on going… but I kept on getting stuck on that little white cross. Did I really deserve to go to Heaven after what happened with Lacey? If I had just paid a little more attention to her, and less attention to what I wanted, then maybe I could have helped her, or stopped her from coming out into the street before she could look both ways. I should have pushed her out of the way of that speeding car. It should have been me. I could have done something.
The rain was coming down harder, but the thunder and lightning stopped.
I was now openly crying. I didn't know if I could go on from here…
I felt like Lacey somehow still needed me to be here with her.
But then I saw that little flash of light again. The curiosity came back within me like a title wave. I knew that I couldn't just stop here. I needed to know what happened to me, and I needed to help Dad get closure about me. If he felt anything like how I feel about Lacey, he will need all the help he can get to help him.
I caressed the little cross again, but this time it was a little good bye
“Good bye, little sis, I love you,” I told her again, as if she could hear me.
I stood up, and felt oddly better. It had been awhile since I had thought about Lacey or how she died. It was like I’d finally put her soul to rest. I finally realized something that I couldn't understand for the past seven years: Lacey’s death wasn't my fault. There wasn't anything I could have done to change what had happened to her. I was a little kid, and didn't know any better. What happened to Lacey was a tragedy, something no one could have predicted nor prevented.
I didn't once look back when I walked out of that field of grain.
I stepped into a small patch of woods, and saw that flash of light again.
Only this time it didn't flash off. It just stayed there, glowing brightly like a little orb of light. I knew that all I needed to do was touch it and I’d know what had happened to me. I felt my heart racing at the thought to finally knowing this.
Then, I put my hand out to grab the light…
But then I hesitated. I thought about what Ginny had told me.
Did I really want to know what had happened to me? Could I handle what was coming next? I knew that the next memory would be the hardest one to handle.
My breathing came out in frightened little gasps.
My hand trembled in front of me, and I felt a bead of sweat drip off my head.
Yes. This was why I came here. I couldn't turn back now.
I put on my brave face, and caught the little ball of light in my hand.
The light suddenly grew brighter and brighter….
And then it engulfed me completely.
Continued in Part 3...
- Share this story on
- 3
COMMENTS (0)