Thirteen Reasons Why

Cassette 7 Side A

This is it. I'm the thirteenth person, and I'm scared of what she's going to say. Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt her in some way? Was I the person who cut her last string? The thoughts swirl in my mind, and the only way to stop them is to press play.

So, you've come to the end of my lovely story. Now, at the beginning, I said that the last person could keep these tapes, but honestly, you can do whatever you want with them. Throw them away, do whatever.

She lets out a breath, and I bite my lip, waiting for what's next.

I want to start by saying that you, my little peach, are the only person in these tapes that didn't hurt me. But I couldn't go without mentioning you.

My breath catches in my throat, and I feel tears prick my eyes.

That day you first spoke to me, I really smiled for the first time in a while—even though I was having a really crappy day.

She pauses, and I feel a tear fall down my face.

I honestly couldn't believe that someone as beautiful and amazing as you would talk to me, worry about me, and actually care about me. Nobody had ever treated me like you did.

"Then why did you leave?" I whisper.

I love you, my little peach. I'm sorry I left.

"Cher," I breathe, closing my eyes tightly.

I couldn't believe it when you said you loved me. I didn't deserve you. You're an angel. I was a demon.

"No," I whisper, my voice weak.

I left before I stained your pure white wings. You might miss me now, but it's better this way.

"No it's not."

Trust me, it is better this way.

It's as if she's listening to me. I bite my lip as tears keep falling from my eyes.

Never forget that I love you, my little peach. I'll be watching over you. Keeping you safe.

Her voice breaks, and I hold back a sob.

My beautiful girl.

"I miss you," I whisper.

Find someone who deserves you. Find happiness. For me. I love you so fucking much. My beautiful Chloë Grace Moretz. 愛してる。

"My Cher." I open my eyes, tears blurring my vision. "Aishiteru." I sit up, not wanting to sleep after that. I feel as if someone is watching me, and I look around my room. I can't see too clearly, but I almost scream as I see what I could swear is a person at my window. My heart beats rapidly, and I rub my eyes before looking again. It still looks like a person, and I bite my lip. Suddenly, someone starts speaking, and I shriek in surprise. I can't understand what they're saying, and it takes me a minute to realize it's the tape. Cher is speaking in rapid fire Japanese, and I can't make out what she's saying. I catch only the last part.

本当にごめんね。愛してるよ。見守ってるからね。すぐそばで。

I translate in my head. I'm really sorry. I love you. I'm watching over you. And...my breath catches in my throat as I realize what she said in the last sentence. I look to the window again, and there's nothing—and nobody there. If she's saying what I think she's saying...

"Cher?" I whisper, my heart pounding in my ears. What she said keeps replaying in my mind...is she still here?