Chapter 12

Matthew's body was dumped in an alley a few blocks from the lodging house. No one knew of his murder, apart from Aslyn and Spot. His body lay lifeless and forgotten, but his memory lived on, haunting Aslyn day in and day out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The rain fell in sheets as Spot Conlon stood on the Brooklyn Bridge. Lightning danced around him, and he tightened his grip on Aslyn's hand.

"Don't do this," he said, squinting at her through the rain.

"I've got to. I've just got to. This guilt—it's eating me up inside," she replied, climbing onto the railing of the bridge.

"Aslyn, I love you. Please don't do this," Spot pleaded.

"I love you, too, Spot. But I can't live like this. I'm going mad with guilt, and I'm hating myself for what I did."

"But it was only self-defense."

"I know. I know. Try telling to that to my conscience. I've got to do this, Spot. I love you, but I've just got to do this. I can't stand it anymore. I can't take another day of waking and hating the fact that I could have prevented all of this. Just let me go, Spot. We'll be together again, but for now, I've got to do this. Please, let me go."

Spot nodded and let go of Aslyn's hand. He would never understand why she was doing this to herself, but he couldn't keep her here with him if she wouldn't be truly happy. He didn't watch as her small body plummeted from the tall bridge. He didn't listen to the sound of her body hitting the water below. He only let his thoughts return to her smile—to the times when she seemed truly happy. These last few days had been hell for her, and he knew he was doing the right thing by letting go. In his mind, his memories of Aslyn collided with those of his sister, and he knew what he had to do.

Smile, though your heart is breaking

Smile, even though it's aching

When there are clouds in the sky

You'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile, and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through

For you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use in crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you'll just smile

Smile