My heart sank. I couldn't swallow.
I reached for the loose brick I had formerly used to sneak in. But when I pulled on it, an envelope with my name written across it in large letters fell out.
I raced to the front gate and held the letter under the light.
I saw my name clearly.
I pulled out a black card. In blood-red letters were four simple words: BECAUSE I LOVE YOU. I caressed the words with my fingertips and held the letter to my heart. Tears fell from my face as I wearily slunk against the Mansion gate.
It was a stake shoved into my heart.
Birds chirped overhead and I looked up to see them hovering over the trees. One swooped down and landed above me on the iron gate.
It was a bat.
Its wings remained solemnly still as it fixed its gaze upon me. Its shadow prominent on the pavement, its breath in time with mine. Bats are blind, but this one seemed to be staring right into my soul.
I slowly reached for it. "Alexander?"
And then it flew away.