I could see the sun starting to set; the sky turning a stunning shade of pink and

purple. It perfectly complimented the leaves on the trees; the different shades of red, orange and
brown. Thats quite the sight I thought to myself, as I drove on. I love nature, and I really do
appreciate its beauty, but there was somewhere else I had to be.
Left on R.F avenue, past the cornfield, past Dans gas station, taking the 2nd right;
not the easiest route to take, especially since its half an hour away from the nearest city, but I
knew it inside and out. Its the place where our most treasured memories took place, after all;
how am I supposed to forget something as special as that? Our childhood, we spent dreaming of
it; a place where we could get lost, but truly find ourselves within. A site only the two of us knew
about. A place where my underlying turmoil came to an absolute end; yet, where her artistic
inspiration knew of an end not. Somewhere serene, a getaway from reality; where we can,
perhaps, discover what it feels like to be at peace.
I inhaled sharply as I exited my car, locking it, and began to walk down the path
leading into the forest. I kept admiring how the light shone from between the gaps in the trees,
and onto the ground. A certain leaf caught my eye; it was a maple leaf, and it had turned a deep
shade of red. October had only begun, yet there wasnt a green leaf in sight.
Its that time of year, again isnt it? I couldnt help but wonder.
I approached the blueberry bushes, pushed myself past them, and arrived at the
Lake. Lake Cupio. The water was glistening, as I stared straight into it. I felt my heart aching,
that all-too familiar feeling before a breakdown.
Keep it together.
Hey, Hailie? I clear my throat, a lump forming when her name is said aloud. The wind
started to blow, the leaves rustling on the branches, sending a chill down my spine. I turn my
head, and there she is, standing ever so elegantly, just a few feet from where Im stood. She
smiles that charming trademark smile of hers, a twinkle in her eyes. Ive missed you so much-,
I manage to say, choking up on that last word.
Honestly Quinn, she starts with a slight smirk, you saw me just last week.
7 days too long, I state. I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her delicate
frame against my broad shoulders. Moving the strands of blonde hair away from her face, I take
a long look at her beautiful face; her striking blue eyes could be mistaken for sapphires, I bet.
Did you see the sun setting tonight? I asked inquisitively, before adding The shades of purple
instantly reminded me of you.
Sure did; It was a real beauty. If I was alive, Id even say it was breath-taking, she said
with a laugh. I, on the other hand, failed to find the humor in it.

Bad joke, I dismissed, much to her dismay.

Oh cmon, Quinn. What fun is it, being dead, if I cant even make jokes about it? I
shuddered. She seemed to notice, adding Its been 5 years, for heavens sake. Does it still affect
you to that extent?
Of course it still affects me; its not something I can just get over, Hailie. Its not a fallen
log or a hurdle-
But, she interrupted, Its not like you can get over either of those things, either. Ive
never seen you jump a hurdle before, she said with a chuckle. She saw the disapproving
expression on my face and continued, I hate seeing you so upset; I understand that you miss me,
but that doesnt mean you have to stop living.
I am living, I corrected her. Coming to Cupio to see you every Monday just happens
to be a part of my life, now. She nodded slowly, understanding what I said. A robin flew above
our heads, causing our heads to turn, watching it fly deeper into the forest. Hailie was the one to
break the silence.
I dont want you coming here every Monday, she asserted.
Wow, ouch, felt that one right here, I teased, tapping my left hand over my heart. The
least you could do is let me down gently. Her expression didnt change, and I realized she
wasnt joking. I dont know how Ill be able to live, not seeing you again, I said with a sigh,
my eyes stinging with fresh tears. Hailies face softened.
Youll have to let go of me sooner or later, Quinn. You know that. I nodded. She gave
me a small smile, and said I just want you to live your life, thats all.
I managed to smile back.I know. I assure you, though, Im perfectly fine with the way
Im handling things right now. She shook her head and gave my hand a squeeze, observing me
with eyes filled with curiosity.
Ill be fine, I reassured her. With that, and a gust of wind, she was gone, only her scent
remaining; the sweet smell of lavender, bringing me an immense amount of comfort. With a deep
breath, I head back to my car; my heart weighing a ton.
For the entirety of the ride home, I replayed precious memories in my head.
***
Are you drawing a picture of me?
No, silly. Just because youre taller than me, does not automatically make you a tree.
Wait, thats supposed to be a tree?
Of course its a tree. And for your information, Im drawing something magical.
The tree is magical?

Sort-of. This whole place is magical. Picture this: trees as tall as buildings, birds
singing songs like youve never heard them before, bushes with your favorite fruits-
So, blueberries, right? I love blueberries
I know you do, Quinn, so do I. But thats not even the best part. In the center is a lake; a
magical lake.
What kind of powers does this lake have?
Anything youd like. I havent exactly thought up of that yet."
A lake that can give you anything youd like- that sounds pretty good to me!
Thats perfect! Well name it Lake Cupio
***
Quiiiinnn!! You have to tell mee!! I chuckled, her whining wont get to me this time. Ive
grown quite accustomed to it, actually.
Ive told you, Hailie dearest, its a surprise. Youll have to wait until Saturday
afternoon. I heard her groan on the other side of the phone line.
Why would you even tell me, if you werent actually going to tell me what it is!? I
smirked. It was always so much fun irritating her. Youre not going to tell me, are you?
Nope, I replied.
You suck. Anyway, did you see the way Mrs.C glared at Hannah today, if only looks
could kill, and that physics assignment! It was a killer! I studied, since were in grade 11 after
all, but even then she continued her rant, and I started to zone out.

I smiled to myself. Hailies going to be in for a big surprise; She has no idea whats
coming her way.
***
Hey, freak. We heard your mom had a very important talk with Miss A.J.
H-howd you hear about that?
We just happened to overhear her, they snickered. You have depression, eh? And
youre on medication, too? Haha! Whats wrong, boy, mummy bought you 3 toys instead of 4? Is
that what this depression is all about?
Its nothing like that
Oh yeah? I knew it. Its all an act! Just for attention!
Just walk away, just walk away, I think to myself.
Hey! You two! Stop that! I snap my head around, to see a blonde girl, much shorter
than I am, confronting the bullies.
Whatre you going to do about it? Its none of your business, anyway, they retorted.
Of course its my business; hes my friend and you are not, under any circumstances,
allowed to make fun of him.
Whatever; Cmon guys, lets go, he said as they walked away.
I was shocked, at what had just happened. The blond girl stuck her hand out, after my
profuse thanking.

Dont mention it; My names Hailie, Im new to the 4th grade, she said, extending her
hand. I reached for it and shook it.
Im Quinn.
***
Where are you even taking me? We are literally in the middle of nowhere, she
commented as we left the gas station.
Patience, Hailie. Patience. Just trust me on this one, I say as I tie the blindfold over
her eyes.
We reach our destination, and I hold her hand, leading her to the right place.
Okay, on 3, 2, 1 and with that, I removed her blindfold.
She gasped, her mouth remaining agape, completely bewildered. She turned around
slowly, staring at her surroundings; her eyes filled with wonder and disbelief.
But how? How did you even find this?
Dan from the gas station is my cousin, and his house is a couple minutes from here. I
paused, before continuing, I took the wrong turn, and drove along this road instead. When I
found this path, I just had to find out what it lead to.
Hailie was beaming from ear to ear, still not quite believing what was happening around her.
Well- do you like it?
Like it!? I love it! Its just like Lake Cupio, the one we drew when we were kids!She
was nearly jumping up and down from all the excitement; this place really did bring out her
inner child. It warmed my heart seeing her so happy.
Thats what I thought, too. I had just finished the sentence when I felt her wrapping
her arms around my torso. I enveloped her in a hug.
Thank you for this. But Quinn, can I ask you a question? I nodded. Since we found
Lake Cupio what are you going to wish for?
***
To see you one more time, I thought, as I stepped through the front door of my house. The
memories were nice, but incredibly painful, knowing that my best friend wasnt here with me
anymore.
I go into the living room, planting a kiss on my moms cheek as she intently watched a
soap opera. Making my way upstairs to my room, I reflected on all that happened today, and
what Hailie had said to me back at Lake Cupio. Theres no way I could just stop seeing her. It
was impossible, and I couldnt do it. With that thought, I drift off to sleep.

***
Room 607 Room 607 Room 607.
Found it.
I open the door, to the most horrendous sight I have ever seen. Her body lay still on the
hospital bed.
Her lifeless body.
Hailie? Hailie! Hailie, wake up! Wake up! I try to get an answer out of her, to no
avail. I shake her body, screaming.
Speak to me! Say something! The screaming rapidly turned into pleading. Please,
Hailieplease. Dont leave me. Stay with us. Please stay.
The words have just left my mouth, and the line goes flat.
***
I awaken with a jolt. The clock reads 3:07 am. It was just another nightmare.
One of the many, many nightmares Ive gotten since Hailie died. It was a tough reality,
dealing with the horrid fact that I would never get to see my best friend again. I sighed as I rolled
over in my bed, trying to get some more sleep, but with no results. I had been trying to cope with
her death the best I could, but instead, my lifes been spiraling out of control. Despite taking the
medication and seeing a therapist, my depression has also worsened. Im the most miserable Ive
ever been in my life.
The only exception, however, is when I go to Lake Cupio. Seeing Hailie there brings me
more comfort than any medicine or therapist could ever bring. Its as if a blanket of warmth is
wrapped around my body, protecting me from the cold of the world; thats just the effect she has
on the people around her.
***
Christmas was approaching, which meant I had to make sure all the gifts were bought,
wrapped, and set under the tree. I was done buying the last of them, with 2 whole weeks to spare.
Feeling quite accomplished, I pull into the driveway, parked my car, and head inside.
Nothing could have ever prepared me for what I was to lay my eyes upon.
Just a few feet away from where I was standing, lay my mother on the ground; appearing
to be lifeless.
Dropping whatever was in my hands, I rushed to her side. Good, theres still a heartbeat.
I immediately called 911, and the ambulance arrived soon after. All the while, surprisingly, I
managed to keep my cool, hoping only for the best.

***
Christmas came and left, as did New Years Eve, and then New Years Day. My mother
was in a medically induced coma, breathing only through a ventilator, and being fed through
feeding tubes. It had been 3 weeks since she had that massive heart attack; for 3 whole weeks, I
have never left her side. Shes the only family I have left, I cant bear losing her.
On one hand, I was there for my mom. On the other hand, I hadnt seen Hailie in 3
weeks. I was trying not to think of her too much, which is quite the difficult task. Shes the only
person who can bring me comfort and inner peace, which is what I really needed at a time like
this; yet, shes the only person Im not able to see.
The accumulated stress of whether or not my mom would be okay, the feeling of
impending doom of how I might have to continue living life without her, and the heart-stabbing
sensation of not seeing Hailie for such a long period of time, heightened the extent of my
depression.
I waited in her hospital room for weeks, but there still wasnt any progression. In fact, my
mothers body was only starting to shut down; her organs had a high chance of failure. I was
devastated, not knowing what to do, or where to go. Deep inside, though, I knew where I had to
be. The only fallback was that I could not afford to leave my mothers side; not now.
Not being able to take any more, I stormed out of the room, down the 5 flight of stairs,
through the lobby, straight into the pouring rain. Once outside, I didnt know where to go next.
Part of me longed to see Hailie, the other part of me not being able to leave my mother.
I felt the all-too-familiar, overwhelming feeling of heartbreak come over me; the one
right before a breakdown. I was just so exhausted; so tired of everything. Staring straight into the
sky, I let out a cry; a single, emotional, cry. One cry turned into two, which eventually turned into
body-racking, heart-wrenching sobs.
In the midst of sobbing, I felt a strong gust of wind, causing the raindrops to crash at a
greater force. Shortly after, I felt a chill run down my spine. Could it be happening? I spun
around, desperately hoping to see her face, her blonde hair, and her blue eyes.
There was nothing. She wasnt there. What was there, however, was the blanket of
comfort Id been yearning so earnestly for. Strange, I thought, this feeling of comfort only
accompanies Hailie. I could smell the sweetness of lavender. Perhaps the magic isnt restricted
to Lake Cupio?
I made my way inside, drenched, with red-shot eyes, and an odd feeling of comfort
replacing the loneliness I had felt prior to that. Once I reached the 5the floor a nurse came
running towards me at what seemed like the speed of sound.
Sir! Sir! Ive been looking all over you. Yes, I can tell, thought I.
Its your mother, shes- I held my breath, not knowing what she was to say next.

Shes awake

Fin.

In memory of:

L.M;
S, E

(Dec 1999-Oct 2011) a

dear friend,.

(Dec 1966- Jun. 2016) my

mother, and best friend.