Old Photo
Pallasite Tales: Fractured Gems
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Children are always so loud and joyful at birthday parties. Their small footsteps, a soundtrack of the day, constant as they run back and forth with their friends. The warm smell of vanilla buttercream fills the room as the cake is placed on the table. All of their eyes and smiles light up like one of the birthday candles. If there is a heaven, then being able to be here with my daughter has to be part of it.
At least it was for a time. An old Polaroid from her 8th birthday party is all I have after I killed her. My daughter, Amelia, wanted to meet with her friends. I think I was too busy drowning my demons with bottles of vodka. I thought drinking would quiet them, but they only got louder. It made her disappointment and sadness louder when I dropped the ball again. I foolishly put her in the car and decided to drive her there so she would still see me as a good dad.
Now, I was a Dad… and police lights are getting bright outside my door. Maybe I shouldn’t have left the accident. I left her and that poor couple we hit dead on the road. “Von, come out with your hands up,” an officer yells. Amelia loved justice and wanted to save people. I place her toy badge on my waist, and I grab her fake police gun. I hold it just right to hide all the orange and other colors. Her smile in the old photo makes me smile. I gently place the old photo in my front jacket pocket, then open the front door.
Author Note
Is Von’s end justice? Thanks for reading! Want more Pallasite Tales?