Chapter 8: Reactions continue

Sparkyville, USA, 6:50

Sally Brown, now 19-nearly-20, had arrived home. She was now working with her father at the local barbershop. When Sally and her father went in, there stood Wally, now 11-almost-12.

"Hey, Little Brother!" said Sally, scrunching Wally's hair.

"Hey, Sally!" said Wally. "How was work?"
"It was good." said Sally.

"Clarence! Sally!" said Joyce. "I'm glad you two are home! I've got some bone-chilling news to tell you!"
"What's that?" asked Sally.

"Sally. Do you remember Emerald Green?" asked Joyce.

"Yeah. Heard she insulted my big brother before he severed ties with her." said Sally.

"Well," said Joyce. "Lianne, Lucy's mother, informed us that Emerald had killed herself."
"Oh my goodness!" cried Sally.

"Awful!" added Clarence.

"I told Charlie." said Joyce. "He said Emerald never really grew up."

"No kidding." said Sally. "Hope to see my favourite big brother back here soon."

"I hope to see him again too!" said Wally.

Sally hugged Wally, thinking all about Emerald, and wondering why she'd end her own life so soon.

"You alright, Big Sister?" asked Wally.

"Just wondering." said Sally.

"About when our big brother will return?"

"No. About Emerald, and why she'd commit suicide."

Sally went to her room and dialled a number she knew very well. Over at the Angel household, Harold Angel, now 20, was practicing his singing for the next church choir.

"Hey, Big Brother!" said Angela, who was now 9. "Whatcha singing?"
"Just a song for the next church choir." said Harold Angel. "Now if you'll excuse me…."

But just before he could get back to singing, he heard a call on his mobile phone. Harold Angel answered it and….

"Hello? Oh, Sally! How's my sweet butterfly?"

"I'm going well, my Sweet Angel." said Sally. "Listen. I got some news about Emerald Green."
"Haven't heard that name in a long time. What happened?" asked Harold Angel.

"Emerald committed suicide."
"Oh my lord!" cried Harold Angel. "That's a catastrophe!"

"I know." said Sally. "I knew she wasn't a perfect person, but even she didn't deserve to die this soon."

"Oh dear." said Harold Angel. "Well, let me know when the funeral is."
"Sure thing, Sweet Angel. Bye."

And both Sally and Harold Angel hung up on each other.

"What was that about?" asked Angela.

"An old acquaintance died." said Harold Angel.

"Goodness!" said Angela.

"Anyway, where was I?" asked Harold Angel. "Oh yeah. My singing."

Next Chapter: Ludwig's biggest fan finds out