Before I Go

• Rowena Teng, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2014

“Yo, Alesa!” A voice shouted in my ear over the sounds of the lively party. “What?” I yelled back at Adam. His eyes were full of life, sparkling and twinkling with mischief. “Wanna go somewhere else?” He grinned.
I thought about it for a moment before nodding and smiling at him. “Follow me.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me forwards towards the front door. “Hey! Alesa! Adam! Where are you two going?” Jerome, a tall guy with short brown hair and kind dark eyes, yelled. “Somewhere!” Adam grinned. “Okay then, see you later!” Jerome said but Adam and I were already out the door.
Adam pulled me into a forest and I looked around at my surroundings. Trees surrounded us and birds flapped their wings, crying a song of sadness. I frowned.
“Adam? Where are we going?” I asked, looking uncertainly at him. “Somewhere.” He repeated, but there was sadness laced in his voice. I looked at him worryingly but said nothing.
Finally, we stopped. We were at a cliff. The moon shone bright and stars twinkled like Adam’s eyes. “This is… Beautiful!” I breathed in wonder. He chuckled sadly. “It is, isn’t it?” He looked at me.
I couldn’t take it anymore. “What’s wrong Adam?” I burst. “Today… Is my father’s birthday…” He looked down at the ground. “This is also the day he died…” I gasped. “Adam… I’m so sorry.” I wrapped my arms around him.
“It’s fine.” He grinned, sadly. “But, why did you bring me here?” I asked, tilting my head. “I want you to tell my family and friends that I love them.” He said. “What? What are you talking about?” I frowned.
“Goodbye Alesa. Ever since I saw you, I have loved you.” He looked at me with love in his eyes. “I still do.”
“Adam…” I trailed off. “I love you too.” I smiled at him, it was true. He was the reason why I had happiness.
“Goodbye, Alesa…” He turned away from me and walked towards the edge of the cliff. “ADAM! NO!” I screamed and lunged for him, tears streaming down my cheeks as I realised what he was about to do.
But it was too late. He had already jumped.