Page 4 of Bed of Thorns

Hi. I’m sorry I haven’t written to you before, but Mom didn’t tell me where you’d been sent until recently. I can’t believe you’re in prison. I thought I’d at least say it’s not the same without you at school or anywhere else. Are they treating you well? Hopefully you’re okay. I’ll try to write when I can, but school is really intense this year, but I like it. Mom says I better get my grades up or I’ll never get into college. We’ll see.

Your friend, Mercedes

* * *

Maine State Prison

Mercedes,

I don’t write letters so don’t expect another one. How can I be okay? I don’t deserve to be in this shithole. Yeah, I know, your mom won’t like me cursing around you. Maybe this should be our secret. I’m glad you like school. Keep studying.

Edmond

* * *

Port Christy, Maine

Edmond,

I’m sorry I missed Christmas. I meant to send you a card. Did you get presents? That’s a stupid question. Of course you didn’t. Anyway, I’m doing good in school. I made the honor roll. I love reading, so English is my favorite subject. I’m working a part-time job and bought this for you. I don’t know what kind of books you like, but it’s what I’m reading in class. Maybe you’ll enjoy it. Here’s my friend’s address. If you write me back, send it there. I can’t let Mom and your father know I’m still writing you. Gotta run. Write soon.

Mercedes

* * *

Maine State Prison

Mercedes,

Thank you for The Count of Monte Cristo. It’ll help with the loneliness, and I love all types of books. We don’t celebrate holidays here, so it’s okay you missed Christmas. I hope you got some cool presents. Very proud of you for making the honor roll. You can do anything you want. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m glad you have a friend you can count on.

Edmond

* * *

Two years later

Port Christy, Maine

Edmond,

I was thinking about you last night. My mom and your dad were arguing. They do that a lot lately. I don’t know why they’re still dating. I heard your name mentioned just before they started screaming and it bothered me enough that I snuck out of the house. I couldn’t take it any longer. He’s even broken a few of my mother’s things. I know I shouldn’t say this, but your father is angry all the time and we don’t get along. He calls me difficult. I call him an asshole. Another secret. Anyway, he found a letter I wrote to you a couple months ago and was so angry. He tore it up and made me promise I’d never write to you again. I had my phone taken away for a week after that. That’s why you haven’t heard from me. What I don’t understand is that both he and Mom act like I should never mention your name.

I finally stopped asking why you were sent to prison and found out myself what happened. I don’t believe it. I can’t. I won’t. But I will ask. Did you kill that man? The papers said he did nothing to you and that you just went crazy. You were always so sweet to me that I still can’t believe it. Anyway, I need to leave for work. I’ll mail this from there. I hope you’re at least okay. Oh, I might have a boyfriend. I’m visiting a couple of colleges that I put an application into. Wish me luck.

Your friend, Mercedes

* * *

Edmond

Bam! Bam! Bam!

The dirty fucking son of a bitch. One day I was gonna wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until he choked on his own tongue. I couldn’t wait to see him take his last breath.

“Son of a bitch!” I muttered.

Bam! Bam!

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