I forced myself to stand up and bring my suitcases to the front room. My brother
and two sisters were standing, waiting for me. My mama came shortly after them. We all
walked out silently.
As we started walking to the train, I looked around. We passed burning houses
and schools. I saw my school in flames and blinked hard. All those memories, gone.
I heard a loud noise behind us and turned around. It was Natali! She had run to
say goodbye to me.
“ Natali! ” I ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug.
“ Mariya, I need to tell you something, ” she started, breathing heavily. “ I... ” Before
she could finish, I heard a gunshot, and her grip on me loosened. I let go and saw thick,
deep red blood on my hand. I turned back to Natali and she dropped to the ground. I put
my hand on her shirt, which was now stained red.
I looked up to see someone running away. I wanted nothing more than to chase
after them, but Natali grabbed my face in her hand.
“ I ’ m sorry, ” she whispered, and the light that was usually in her eyes went cold. I
screamed as tears fell quickly onto her. I shoved my head in her chest, wishing I could
stay there forever.
My brother pulled me off her with a lot of effort. I continued crying all the way out.
Now that Natali was gone, there was nothing to hold me together.
I had broken, and there was no going back.
Neve Felder, Seventh Grade
*Editor ’ s Note: This piece is a tribute to the Ukrainian people.
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