Whispers In My Mind

"Annika Callridge's body was found yesterday," the news reporter droned. "After missing for thirteen days, the New York Police Department found her in the park." I flicked off the TV and turned toward my mother. She was sobbing in a chair at the dining room table. "Oh, Lorraine and Jonathan must feel terrible." she cried. I sighed. How long had Mother been saying that? "Let's pay our respects then." I insisted. Mother nodded and wiped her eyes with a tissue. "Get your dress on, Carly." she answered. I hurried up the steps and went in my room. A picture of Annika lay on my bed, her smiling face almost vivid, as if she was standing right there. I put it back on my nightstand, where it should've been, and tugged on my ugly black dress. The one that I was supposed to walk in public with. It had a black flowered lace cover against black satin. It also came with a mini veil that matched the cover. But if it was for Annika, I would wear it. And it was.

I walked downstairs. Mother was in a black skirt, shirt, and sweater already. "C'mon Mother." I said, hurrying to go out the door. Mother grabbed the car keys and followed me out, closing the door tight as we left. We got in the old Volkswagen, which was hot and stuffy in there. A sauna isn't much different, I thought as I fastened the scorching seatbelt. Mother did the same, and we sped toward Annika's.