Tonya sat alone on the balcony of the ward on Friday evening, staring at the gray sky, trying to pray but was confused at the silence. What am I doing wrong? God, why aren't You answering me? But she heard nothing. This silence was new to her, and she felt frustrated by it. She sighed as she remembered everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. After Sarah's body had been taken away the day before, and Tess took Laura to her therapist, Monica had led a small group session for the girls to talk about Sarah's death and the impact it had on them. Tonya sat through it, but could only think of Laura.

That morning at breakfast, Laura was as white as a ghost and ignored Tonya whenever she tried to talk to her. Laura had a strange look this morning. Depressed, but somehow, determined. Tonya feared that since today was the anniversary of her mother's death, Laura was already contemplating suicide. And she feared that the added stress of Sarah's suicide would only make it worse. So Tonya did everything she could to talk Laura out of it. She talked about how she had a lot to live for. That she would always be Laura's friend, and at that statement, Laura spoke for the first time that morning. She looked at Tonya with sad eyes and sighed.

"But...then I'll lose you too." Laura spoke so softly and she got up from breakfast and walked away. She had been like that for the rest of the day. Tonya had followed her to lunch, to group therapy, to dinner, but Laura never spoke. She only walked away and ignored Tonya. Tonya knew that angels weren't supposed to push, but she felt as though she had no choice. But now, as she sat on the balcony that evening, watching the stars, she tried to pray for God to give her an answer, but she had heard nothing.

"Why aren't you answering me God? Why won't you tell me what to do?" Tonya yelled out, feeling angry but at that moment, through she didn't hear God say so, she felt an overwhelming obligation to go to her dorm room immediately! Tonya didn't even stop to think. She got up and ran through the hallways of the hospital, never stopping. She knew that God was sending her there.

She made it to her dorm room and never thought to knock. She just burst through the door and saw that nobody was even there. She caught her breath as she stared at the empty room, confused.

"I thought You wanted me to come here Lord. I was almost sure you did." She started to feel more and more discouraged as she sat down on her own bed to catch her breath. As she was sitting, her attention was drawn to a piece of paper that seemed to be emerging from underneath Laura's pillow. Tonya suddenly felt her stomach sink. Oh God, what is that? She thought, as she swallowed hard. She gathered enough courage and grabbed the note. She opened it quickly, wasting no time. As she read the words in front of her, she began to cry.

The world is a horrible place that I refuse to live in anymore. Too many people have been ripped from my life. I can't bear it anymore. First my mother, who I loved so much, and then, a year later, my best friend Sarah. I won't just wait around for more people to be taken from my life. I've had enough. By the time anybody finds this note, I'll have jumped off the Vicker Street Bridge. It's too late now. Life was just too unbearable for me to handle. I'm better off dead now.

Signed, Laura Tucker

Tonya felt sick to her stomach. I'm too late. She killed herself. As she was about to have an emotional breakdown, she saw another piece of paper hidden under Laura's journal on her dresser. Tonya felt strongly about it and knew she had to read it. She just knew. It was just as though God had pushed her into that bedroom, and was now leading her to that note.

She grabbed it and opened it, only to find a few words, but just enough information.

Vicker Street Bridge. Midnight. Pain finally ends. Don't forget!

Tonya immediately looked at the clock on the wall. 11:00p.m. Tonya gasped. I only have an hour, but I'm not too late! Then she suddenly felt a cool breeze coming into the room. She puckered her brow, knowing that windows weren't allowed to be opened here. Tonya stopped and ran to the window, throwing open the curtains to find the window had been opened! Tonya knew right away that Laura had somehow picked the lock on it and climbed out. That means she's already out! So I won't find her here. I have to go to the bridge. Tonya started shaking, but she couldn't just sit there. I have to tell Monica! Tonya ran from the room, and down the hall, yelling out Monica's name. Tonya was in tears now, knowing that she only had an hour left.

"Monica! Where are you?" Tonya screamed out, and out of nowhere, Kathleen appeared in front of Tonya. Tonya stopped running and just stared at Kathleen.

"Tonya, sweetheart, why are you crying?" Kathleen cooed, as she came closer. She had a sad look about her, but Tonya told her.

"Kathleen, it's-it's Laura." And Tonya cried as she explained everything she had just seen. The suicide note, the open window, the paper with the time on it. Kathleen seemed to grow more pale as Tonya talked, and Tonya noticed it immediately.

"What's the matter?" She asked, as she continued to cry. Kathleen sighed slowly and looked at Tonya. She looked as though she might cry too.

"That's exactly what Sarah did before she...killed herself." She lied, but Tonya was believing every word.

"How do you know that?" She asked, feeling more sick.

"There's something I haven't told you Tonya. You see, Sarah Nell was my assignment, just like Laura is yours. I tried so hard to talk to Sarah, even after she had written her note, but she was so distant. She ignored me and ran from me and I did everything I could do, but she killed herself anyway." By now, Kathleen was crying, but Tonya didn't know the tears were fake.

Tonya's stomach sank.

"S-Sarah was your assignment?" She asked.

"Yes, and I failed my assignment! I'm a bad angel. And now, the same thing is happening to you. It's too late, it's too late for Laura now." Kathleen sobbed.

"What do you mean it's too late? I have an hour before-"

"She's determined Tonya. What makes you think she'll listen to you? Haven't you tried to talk to her all day? Hasn't she ignored you?" Kathleen watched as Tonya slowly nodded.

"Sarah did the same. She was so determined that she wouldn't listen to me, even after I revealed to her that I was an angel."

"Even...after she knew who you were?" Tonya asked as her body began to shake again.

"YES! And now she's gone! And it's all my fault! And now, Laura will die too!" Kathleen seemed to be in the pit of despair, but it was all an act, but Tonya didn't know this.

"M-maybe Laura will still listen to me. I mean, maybe it will be different."

"Don't count on it, angel baby. Trust me. I mean, I don't want you to get as down as I am. But face it Tonya, and I'm saying this as a friend. I told you that only really experienced angels have succeeded in these kinds of assignments. I've been an angel for hundreds and hundreds of years. I'm as experienced as they come, but Sarah still killed herself. Trust me in saying it's over for Laura. You're too inexperienced to finish. Just quit while you're ahead. I don't want this guilt to eat you up." Kathleen had said so many hurtful words, but her smooth tone and the tears running down her face convinced Tonya.

Tonya stood there, feeling more sick than ever.

"It's okay to admit you failed, little one. Everybody makes mistakes." Kathleen wouldn't stop. She could see it in Tonya's eyes. She had been taken in and now, Tonya was too shocked for words.

"Are you okay Tonya?" Kathleen asked, knowing the answer.

"I-I g-gotta g-go." Tonya ran down the hallway, back to her room. Kathleen smiled and looked at the time. 11:10p.m. There's no way Tonya will go now. She believed everything I said. Kathleen had to hold in her laughter as she thought of all the damage she was causing. Things are going my way. She thought. Nothing can stop me now.