Archer

I came to school on Avery Friday just to hear the news spread that Alex had awoken from his coma. The halls were abuzz with excitement about his return and planning a big welcome back event. It made me want to vomit.

Maria was there too, smiling again now that her dear friend was okay. I avoided her accusing glares, keeping my head down.

In class, everyone babbled cheerfully about visiting Alex in the hospital, oblivious to my seething guilt. I should be rotting in jail, not strolling around free. Yet here I was, the invisible monster in their midst.

My mother called, her usual platitudes now laced with...