I decided to try an angst story for Mr. Young. I don't know where I got this from...
Echo's POV
1 year ago, it happened. But I still visit every day, cry every day, miss you every day. I tried to do what you said and move on to someone else, and be happy in life, but I just can't get over you and what happened.
I feel stuck, buried under the grief, and when I try to dig myself out, a wave of emotion comes over me and I'm right back where I started. No one realized how great you were until you were gone, except me. I knew how great you were. And it's not like I didn't see this coming. I did. We all did. But it still shocked me, and it still hurts. Why does it still hurt? Why can't you just get your stupid self out of my mind and leave me alone forever!
I'm sorry, that sounded mean. I didn't mean it. I loved you and I still do. We were barely together for 2 months, and then, this! I know we had that final kiss of closure, but it didn't help. My lips still burn for more. My arms ache for more. I need you here again. But it's not just me.
Have you seen Derby? He doesn't cry, he doesn't sigh, he doesn't yell, or scream. In fact, he hasn't made a noise since it happened. he just sits there depressed, bags under his eyes. I don't think he sleeps much anymore. Or eats. He's getting thinner, never so eager for food now a days. Hasn't made a single practical joke either.
He might even be in depression. You're no longer there to protect him, so everyone's gone back to bullying him. That and the incident have been too much for him. He hasn't been the same. We eat lunch together, he sits there and pokes his food, and I manage small bites in between the sniffs and choked sobs. We never exchange words though and everyone keeps their distance too, afraid they'll be the ones to make us snap.
Your family. Ivy, I don't know where she is now. But she stopped caring. About everything. Clothes, makeup, school, texting, friends, life. She was pulled out months ago. As for your mom, she quit her job today. She always left early anyways, crying. We exchanged sympathetic looks in the hallway, but never talked. I don't really talk to anyone lately. Except mom. She's the only one keeping me sane. The only one not all depressed, so she's able to cheer me up. Even Slab and Mr. Tater didn't celebrate when it happened. No one did.
So it's fair to say that the world lost a great mind and person last year to Leukemia. So don't you think for a second that you were unwanted and disliked down here. Why else would I be here, by this stone, in a foot of snow, laying down the 365th rose. I brush away the flakes from the message and read it for the thousandth time:
Here lies Adam Young, son, brother, friend, teacher and lover. Will be missed by many and remembered by all.
March 16th 1997-January 23rd 2013
It happens to the best of us.