Prologue

"ROSELINAAAAAA!!!!"

"NOO!! CHRISTOPHER!!!!!!"

Splatter!

She couldn't believe it. Right before her very eyes, her elder brother Christopher Hallowswift, age fourteen, pushed her with all his might out of the way of a large, speeding truck, only to be crushed beneath it.

"C...C...Chris...topher..?" The poor girl was shocked at the sight. Christopher's body was completely crushed, his abdomen broken from his body, and his head split open like a watermelon. When she caught sight of it, she fell completely silent. Not a word came out of her as she stared at what used to be her elder brother by one year.

"Chris...topher...?" The horrific sight caused her body to stand rooted to the ground. She wanted to go to him, but her body wouldn't allow her to move even an inch. Soon, a crowd started to gather, and an ambulance was immediately summoned.

"I'm sorry. There's no easy way to put this, but as you saw, your son Christopher has passed on."

"N...No...my...my son..." The results from Christopher's analysis came back negative. There was no way he was able to live through that. Roselina was there with her mother and father at the nearest hospital. When the little thirteen year old girl heard the news, her entire body shook. Chr...Chris...topher...he...he's dead...my...my elder brother...he...he really is...

"Nnrng..." Tears poured down her petite, white face. The parents remained strong though, despite their hearts being crushed. The doctor continued speaking,

"I-If it'd be helpful to you, the hospital could arrange a therapist to help you cope with this heartbreaking situation. It won't cost you a dime."

"N-No..that won't be necessary. Thank you, doctor." Roselina's mother, Natalie said, her voice cracked. "We...we just need some time alone."

"I understand. He died for a good cause. He saved his sister from a speeding truck, so just be grateful she's still alive."

"We will." Roselina's father said, forcing a grin toward the medical professional. "Thanks for all your help." The doctor gave them a small bow, then left the grieving family alone. Little did the family know that this was the beginning of the end for them all.

It was late at night. Roselina was dressed in all black. She had on a knee length black dress with an artificial rose in her long, straight, tied back black hair. Her once full of life, leafy green, tiny eyes now showed not even a single hint of joy. She sat in the front row of the dozens of individuals whom attended her brother's funeral, with her parents sitting to her immediate right.

"All living things must return to it's creator one day, for we are all bound by the curse of death. For the Lord God said in his book, from dust to dust, and ashes to ashes. Nobody lives forever, and poor Christopher here...he had his whole life ahead of him...yet as unforgiving as it is, death came to him. He died a hero, who saved his sister from certain doom. Now, may his soul rest peacefully in the hands of the almighty." The pastor on stage said. The funeral was being held at a park, many large tents were set up to accommodate a large amount of people.

"Heh..." Roselina half-heartedly snickered at what he said. "...What the hell is he saying...stupid priest..." You didn't deserve to die that way...brother.

Next, a song was played. Cries of sadness was heard from all corners of the gathering, Roselina included.

Life at home was never the same again for Roselina Hallowswift. The atmosphere there after the death of the eldest child had become unbearable for the young girl.

"Being at home just...reminds me too much of him, you know." Roselina sat down at the cafeteria of her middle school with her female friend, Yuya. Both shared similar interests. Sports, books, television, music, they spoke about everything together, with not even a single detail left out.

"I see. Well, sis?" Yuya told her. Her long, dark brown hair was tied, like Roselina's. Both girls were slim, with broad hips, petite eyes, as well as lips, and they both were thirteen years of age.

Yuya, sitting beside her friend, hugged her, Roselina instantly returned the embrace, and pressed her face into Yuya's neck, "Tell me whenever you need some company. I'll be right there."

"Thank you...I love you, sis." Roselina replied, sobbing quietly.

"I love you too, Roselina."

"I'm home..." Roselina returned from school in the afternoon, but not to what she expected. The atmosphere was tense, as if an argument just occurred. The first person to greet her was her mother, with a troubled expression.

"O-Oh, welcome home, Roselina!" Natalie said. The adult gave her a tight embrace.

"M-mom..." Roselina returned it. "...Is everything alright? You're tense." Retracting, the girls looked at each other.

"Y-Yeah. Everything's alright. Don't worry about it." Or so she said. But upon closer inspection, Roselina saw a bruise on her mother's left cheek. The sight of it brought shivers down her spine. Yet, she sucked it up, and glared at Natalie.

"Don't try to lie to me, mother. He's hurting you, isn't he?" She sternly remarked.

"N-No. What are you talking about? He'd never do such a thing." Natalie tried to remain calm. But the keenness of her daughter made out that she was lying.

"You're lying, look." Roselina pointed at the woman's left cheek. "You're not clumsy enough to injure yourself there. It was clearly done by somebody."

Natalie knew she couldn't fight against Roselina like that. So she gave in. With a sad smile, she said to her, "Alright, you win. Yes, it was done by your dad. But don't worry. He's just...stressed, that's all. I promise you, if it gets bad, I'll call the cops, okay? Now, off to your room. I'll call you down when dinner's ready." Alas, the situation only grew worse. Despite hearing all that, Roselina's worries didn't go away.

Soon, she found herself upstairs, holding a picture of her and her elder brother in hand. Roselina shivered as hear ears picked up cries of utter dread from her mother. Natalie told Roselina she'd phone the police service if anything drastic occurred, though she sensed that was a lie as well. Was it all a lie, though? Was the harsh, horrid reality the girl was experiencing all only a dream? A lie, made by some cruel, wicked God? Roselina only wished. She looked at the end of her room, and saw the noose she bought just recently from the basement.

"N-No...Chris...Christopher died...so that I can live...I...I shouldn't...he...he wouldn't want...me to..." Except she couldn't take her eyes off it. If Roselina committed suicide, would she be back with her deceased elder brother? Slowly, the girl lifted the rope in her hands, and clenched it tightly, feeling it's rough texture.

"Christopher..." She stared at it, refusing to take it out of her sight. Should...should I? But Christopher died for me...I...if I do this then...

"Nnrng...sob, sob, I..."

Ring. Ring.

"Eh...?"

You have one new message.

Breaking her from her trance, Roselina's phone rang, and automatically showed her notifications. Her one and only message was from Yuya.

"Don't forget, I'm here if you need me, Roselina. Just text me when you wanna hang!"

"Yuya..."

A soft smile emerged on Roselina's face upon catching sight of the text message.

"...W...Y-Yuya..." She felt truly lucky to have such a friend. Opening the message box, she texted her back.

"Thanks sis <3"

It was things like those which kept Roselina going. Yuya was precious to Roselina, even more so than gold or silver. An irreplaceable friend. Re-reading the message multiple times, she held her smartphone close to her chest, and hugged it.

"Thank you, sis..." Then quickly, her smile faded. Her once cheery eyes were vacant, void of any life. She couldn't take her mind off of her elder brother, who was so brutally slaughtered. It was unforgivable. But revenge wasn't an option for the girl...

"...But..." Roselina had only one thing in mind, and it was to join him in death. She wanted to more than anything, even if it meant never seeing Yuya again.

"...I...I'm sorry..."

She went to school the next day only for one reason. Without any books or supplies, she entered into the compound, and made way to her classroom, where she would hopefully see her friend.

Thankfully, she did. Upon sight of her, Yuya darted up to the girl, and caught her in an embrace, happily squeezing her with all her might.

"Roselinaaaaa!! Mmmmmmmm!!!" She yelled out. "Good morningg! Huh? Where's your bag?" Upon retracting, she noticed something off about her.

"Um...Yuya...I....could...could we talk?"

"Mm?" Retracting her arms, she grinned softly at her. "Oh, sure. Is everything okay?"

"O-On the roof, I mean. There's...there's something I want to tell you..."

"On the...roof? Ohhh, I get it. It's private! Sure we can talk there, just lead the way!"

"So, what's up? Need a hug?"

"Yu...ya..." Roselina had her back turned to Yuya, her eyes were locked onto the ground. Was she ready for what she was about to do? Her entire body was stiff, unable to move even an inch forward, or backward. Though she wanted to...

"...Nnrng..." Nevertheless, she swallowed her fear, and ran straight to her friend.

"...!" Without hesitation, she held onto her shoulders, and pressed her lips to Yuya's, forcefully kissing her. The sensation of Yuya's petite, pulpy lips against her own brought a small grin to Roselina's face, she kissed her deeper, and eventually embraced the girl.

"W-Wha-?! R-Mmmm! Mmphp!"

"Yuya..." Yuya's first instinct was to pull away, but as desperate as she was, Roselina had her arms around her neck, ensuring she wouldn't break away. Yuya...I...I'm sorry...I just...

It took ten seconds for them to retract. With blushed faces, the two girls gazed at each other.

"R-Roselina...? You...you just...kissed me..." Touching her lips bashfully, Yuya continued, "...Did...did you...m-mean..."

"Yuya I-I-I'm sorry, I just...I just had to, okay?!"

"Huh? W-Wait, where are you going?!"

The deed was done. What she wanted had been fulfilled. And she was happy Yuya accepted her feelings. Knowing that her wanting was achieved, Roselina was satisfied. She gave her partner a peaceful smile as the thirteen year old slowly backed up, nearing the very edge of the roof.

"Yuya...don't ever forget me, alright?"

"W-what..?" Yuya was stopped dead in her tracks. She had just received her first kiss from Roselina, and all of a sudden, she hears that. She wasn't sure how to respond. All she did was stare with a baffled face. "What are you saying? Of course I won't forget you, I love you, Roselina! Haha..."

"I know, and I love you too. Thanks for always being there for me. Cheering me up when I'm sad...being there for me in my lowest...we...we've formed so many memories...sniffle I...I don't know what to say..."

"Roselina..?"

"I'm so glad you were in my life, Yuya...now this...this is goodbye..."

"Goodbye? W-wait, y-you're not going to-R-Roselina!!! N-No! Y-You can't! D-Don't do this!!"

"Farewell, Yuya...Let's meet again in the next life...one where all three of us, Christopher, you and me can live together again..."

"Nnrng..." Yuya knew what she meant, but she didn't want her beloved Roselina to go away. Her teeth clenched firmly together, her eyes filled with a devastated gaze, she screamed out at the top of her lungs for her.

"...But didn't I tell you I'd be there for you?! Why, why do you want to die like this?! Don't you remember the text I sent you last night?! Come on, sis, don't do this, please!!"

"..."

"Please I...I love you...please, Roselina...don't..."

"..." She wasn't listening. All that filled her thoughts was the wanting to see her elder brother again, the one she lost not long ago. Giggling slightly, a tear slithered down her cheek.

"See you in the next life, Yuya...goodbye..."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Arms stretched on either side, Roselina stood at the very edge of the roof, and threw herself off. Yuya raced to grab her, but to no avail. The moment before her body hit ground, a picture of her, Yuya and Christopher suddenly escaped her pockets. The three children in the image were sat along a bench on the school compound, happily posing for the camera. Just where had those days gone?

"No...Roselina...n-no...you...you really are...gone..." Yuya was among the first to get to Roselina's deceased body. And after viewing it, without a shadow of a doubt, she knew Roselina was no more.

"..." Both of her closest friends were now deceased-one by suicide, and the other by a road accident. All meaning to her life vanished in mere seconds upon realization. She was alone, gawking vacantly at her best friend's body.

"...H...Huh...? A...A picture...w-wait...this is..." Yuya instantly sobbed at the sight of the image. Her high pitched tone emanating intense heartache for all to hear. Her mouth twisted, her voice cracked, the bitterness of her cries were enough to shake anybody to the core. She took her fists, and banged them into the concrete flooring as memories of the three of them together flashed before her eyes. She couldn't accept it-the fact that both of her closest friends were no longer living. Is it all just a dream? No, the kiss Roselina gave her felt all too real. The pain in her now bloodied fists was all too real for her to ignore. That was reality. A harsh, merciless reality for the unfortunate soul...

"I...I thought you said you loved me...Roselina...why...if you said you loved me, then how could you just leave me here...st-stupid..."