Page 61 of Collide

With one last long look, I get in my truck and leave.

When I arrive in Sierra Cove a few hours later, I pull up in front of the apartment for rent.

The little studio apartment is just what I need and the landlord lets me sign a lease and move in right away. After getting the key, I unload my car and bring my things inside. But I don’t stay. I need food and then I have somewhere else I need to be.

* * *

I navigate my car down the hill, making sure to go slow. It might not be raining today, but that's all I can think about as I get closer and closer to the site. The spot where my best friend took his last breath.

The guard rail at the bottom of the hill has since been replaced but a memorial for Mason still remains. I pull my truck over and cut the engine. I’ve never been here before and it physically makes me sick to think Mason died in this very spot.

But I force myself to sit here. I force myself to feel it all, the guilt and regret almost more than I can bear.

I don’t know how much time passes before a car is pulling in next to me. I look over and wonder why anyone else would be parking here.

But then I see him get out of his car.

It's Remi.

Where the hell did he come from?

“Asher? Is that you?” Remi comes up to my window and I roll it down.

“Guilty as charged.”

“I thought that was you! I recognized your truck. What’s up man? You back in Sierra Cove now?”

“Yeah. Couldn’t stay away forever.”

“I thought you might. You have good reason to.”

“It’s all about the distraction.” I say.

“Make sure you’re still taking care of yourself though.”

“I am.” I’ve always liked Remi. He’s a good dude with a caring heart. It’s funny I’ve run into him here of all places.

As if he’s read my mind, he says, “I live right up the street. When I heard this is where it happened, man, it fucked me up. Mason didn’t deserve that shit.” Remi shakes his head.

“You did a great job honoring him at the football game.”

“Thanks but it was the least I could do. I still feel like I should’ve done more. How is Madison doing? And their parents?”

I still at the mention of her name but recover quickly. “Hanging in there. Madison isn’t coming back anytime soon.”

“I don’t blame her. You need family at times like these.”

Remi sounds like he has experience and I wonder about his family.

“What about you? Has your family helped out?” He asks me.

I offer him a sad smile. “No, unfortunately I’m not close to mine.”

Remi sighs as he taps the side of my truck door. “Bro, you’ve been too strong through all of this. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to fall apart. No one will think less of you.”

“I was trying to be strong for Madison. She needs it more than I do.”

Remi nods once and it’s as if he knows exactly what I mean. “Well don’t be a stranger now that you’re back in town.” He holds out his hand we fist bump.

---