WHEN WE COLLIDE

"Mae, stay with me. Help is on the way," I say, my voice trembling. I try to wipe the sweat forming on my forehead, but instead, I only manage to smear blood across my face. It's a cold night, the kind that usually leaves me shivering, but tonight is anything but ordinary.

"I'm so tired... I just want to sleep," Mae sighs weakly.

"Just hold on a little longer, Mae, please," I beg, and she gives a faint nod.

"When I'm better, can we go skating?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You've never really wanted to skate before," I reply, trying to smile through the fear clawing at my chest. "But yes, of course, we can go." She smiles back at me, but the pain in her eyes is unmistakable.

I refuse to cry because I know help is coming. I know my best friend will be treated, and soon, we'll be skating together, just like she wants.

"June, how much longer?" Mae's voice is shaky, and I open my mouth to reassure her, but I don't know what to say. It's been at least five minutes, and there's still no sign of an ambulance. The streets are cold and empty, making the night feel endless.

"Mae, can you do something for me?" I ask.

"What is it?"

"I need you to wait right here. I'm going to get help, okay?"

"No, June, don't leave me alone," she pleads, fear filling her eyes.

"I have to get you to the hospital, and I can't do it on my own. I need to find someone who can take us there. I promise I'll be back," I say, trying to convince her. She hesitates, then nods.

I kiss Mae on the forehead, then gently on her hand before taking off running as fast as I can. At first, the streets are deserted, but then a car appears in the distance. I wave frantically, screaming for help, but it drives past without stopping. The second and third cars do the same, until finally, one stops.

"My friend, she's dying-please help us," I gasp, breathless.

"Get in. Show me where she is," the driver says, not wasting a moment on questions.

I jump into the car and direct him as he drives. When we arrive, I leap out and run to Mae.

"Mae, I found someone. He's going to take us to the hospital," I say, but she doesn't respond. Assuming she's too exhausted, I bend down to hold her hand, only to realize her eyes are closed.

"Mae," I call out, shaking her slightly, but she doesn't stir. Panic tightens around my heart as I put my ear to her chest. Nothing. I check her pulse. Nothing.

"I'm sorry... I think she's gone," the stranger says softly from behind me, confirming my worst fear.

My throat closes up, and the world seems to stop. I forget how to breathe, and suddenly, I'm drenched in sweat. All I want is to be at home with Mae, drinking coffee and watching our favorite show while we cuddle on the couch.

The last thing I remember before blacking out is the sound of sirens, the stranger's concerned voice, and whispering, "I love you," to Mae as I hold her hand.

---

"Where is she?" The first words out of my mouth when I wake up.

"June, you need to calm down," my mother says, standing beside me.

"Don't tell me to calm down!" I shout, though I know it's wrong. Nothing feels right without Mae here.

My eyes dart to the corner of the room, where I see Nova sobbing, trying to comfort Mrs. Jenkins, who is crying uncontrollably.

"Nova," I call out, my voice cracking.

"She's gone," she whispers, and it feels like someone's punched me in the stomach. I try to stand, but my legs feel weak, so I cling to the wall for support.

"June, what happened?" Mrs. Jenkins asks, her voice trembling as she fights back tears.

"I was driving, and..." The words catch in my throat. How can I possibly tell the woman before me that I'm responsible for her daughter's death?

"I'm so sorry," I whisper before bolting out of the room.

I run. I run like my life depends on it, not caring about the burning in my lungs or the exhaustion weighing me down. All I want is to be with my best friend again.