Untimely Death
By: Stephany Morales
Tags: Sad, Death, Messages, Valentines Day, Short Story

My brother died last night, February 14, 2016. Today, I will be going to the morgue to identify his body. But I know it is him. Why did you go out last night? I told you I felt something really bad was going to happen to you. But you did not listen. You never did…. #sad

…

Today is my graduation. Words cannot express the joy I feel as I finally receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, class of 2015. My mom and brother are smiling so proudly from the stands. I smile. I did it for you. #happy

We go out to eat later on to my favorite restaurant, La Ocha. Mmmm I can’t wait to eat that beef fried rice and Chowmein. My mother takes a photo of me and my brother with her polaroid camera. I say I want to keep it. As soon as it develops my mother hands it to me. My heart stops. My face turns ghostly.

“What’s wrong honey?” my mother asks with a puzzled look on her face.

I show her the photo. She looks at me with that same puzzled face.

“I don’t see anything other than the photo I just took of you and your brother.”

“Yeah, what’s up with you,” says my brother as he looks over to see the photo.

“I…I thought I saw you in a costume with blood dripping everywhere,” I stammer. Then, I look to the photo and I do not see anything.

The waitress passes by, “Any dessert?”

“Yes, we would like the mango and sticky rice,” requests my brother.

Maybe it was just in my head? My brother proceeds to talk about what he plans on doing with his summer. #shocked

…

I look around at our small apartment and feel warmth as I look at the lights around the Christmas tree. My mom is in the kitchen finishing up the hot chocolate. Mmmm the smell of tamales of potato is filling the place. Nothing I love more than this feeling. #warmth

As soon as I sit down to drink my hot chocolate in front of the fireplace, my brother walks in.

“Hey guys! Sorry I’m late. I was just picking up some last minute gifts,” he smiles as he walks towards me. “Mmmmm I can’t wait to eat these tamales.”

We gather around to pray and thank God for all the blessings he has sent our way.

“How about a photo in front of the tree,” my mom asks, “I want to send it to your cousins.” She goes to grab her Polaroid. “Say cheese!”

She still treats us like little kids. I sigh. She just loves us so much. I squeeze my brother tight and smile big.

“I want to take a photo of the polaroid to post on Instagram,” I say as I am already taking the photo from my mother’s hands.

No. My face turns ghostly.

“What’s wrong,” my mother asks. No words can escape me.

“Yeah, what’s wrong,” says my brother as he snatches the photo I was staring at.

This is not possible. This cannot be happening. No way. There is no way!

“I….I…,” I stutter, “I saw you in a bunny mask with blood dripping everywhere! You were dead” #scared

“What’s wrong with you? There’s nothing here. You’ve probably had a long day. I’m going to go get you some water. Sit down and relax. We are going to open presents soon,” my brother states. Am I going crazy? Am I just tired?

I did not mention that I heard a whisper say “Valentine’s Day.” #creepy

…

It is the evening of February 14. My boyfriend is taking me out to Red Lobster. I have not mentioned anything to my family about my worries. I get ready and do my makeup extra nice because it is Valentine’s Day.

As I wait to get picked up, I enter my brother’s room. “Please don’t go out tonight. Just this one night. I feel it deep in my heart that something terrible will happen if you do. Promise me please.” #worried

“Yeah, yeah. I promise,” he waves his hand at me to exit his room as he continues playing Call of Duty. I don’t think he even heard me. #littlebrothersneverlisten

…

It’s February 15. I am in the morgue, waiting for the attendant to uncover the sheet.

“Please identify the body if you are familiar with it,” states the worker.

On the side of the table, I see a bunny mask covered in blood. My heart skips a beat.

“It’s him,” I mutter, “That is my brother, Alex Marquez.” #death