Collapsed || Jackson Wang

Part One

"WAFB News reporting live from Southern University A&M College with Farrah Patterson. A twenty year old female, by the name of Willis Arrington, was found dead in her dormitory at 11 p.m. last night. Arrington's corpse was discovered hanging from the dormitory's ceiling-"

Ruby turned off the television, streaks of dried tears on her cheeks. She leaned over, closing her eyes. Her white t-shirt stuff to her skin, as it was wet and dirty from the wet ground outside. Her eyes burned with fresh tears once again. She sat on the plush chair, her hands clasped together and her focus on the floor. The room was bathed in darkness, except for the open blinds in the kitchen, which displayed dark storm clouds forming in the sky. Ruby sat motionless and let her tears continuously fall from her eyes.

She's really dead.

One of her friends, Jacqueline, sat next to Ruby, hands clasped together and her head bowed. Jacqueline wore a dark hoodie and matching joggers, as she was getting ready for a jog. Her plans quickly disappeared once she heard the devastating news of her friend's sister. Jacqueline looked towards Ruby's motionless body. Ruby's form was shaking all over and her shoulders jumped almost every second. Jacqueline scooted towards Ruby on the couch and wrapped her arm around her. It was then that Ruby completely broke down. Jacqueline felt defeated as the room filled with ugly sobs from Ruby. Not knowing how to use words as comfort, Jacqueline simply placed her hand on Ruby's back and rubbed it.

The two girls sat in the dimly lit room, in that position, for almost twenty minutes. Ruby seemed to calm down, her sobs only sniffles at this point. She still sat in her hunched over position. Jacqueline stood up from the couch and retreated to the bathroom down the hall. Inside the bathroom Jacqueline grabbed tissue off of the roll and folded it over four times. As she was about to leave, she caught a glimpse of herself in the cloudy mirror. Jacqueline stopped and completely faced the mirror. Her short curly hair, which was brushed into a puff, was sticking out in multiple places. She noticed her dark brown skin was starting to break out with pimples dotting her forehead and under her chin. Her dark brown eyes were red from crying and her face looked fatter than usual. Jacqueline turned away and left the bathroom, not bothering to. Lose the door behind her.

Upon entering the living area, Jacqueline noticed Ruby was now sitting on the floor in a cross cross position. Jacqueline stood behind the island counter, her gaze focused only on Ruby.

"Ruby."

Jacqueline awaited a response from Ruby, only to receive nothing. Jacqueline walked around the counter and towards Ruby. Jacqueline bent down on both knees, her face almost level with Ruby's. Jacqueline just stared at Ruby, wanting her to make some movement. Unfortunately, Ruby's focus stayed on the hardwood floor. Jacqueline wanted to cry as she hated to see her friend in pain.

"Ruby please talk to me."

Jacqueline's voice slightly shook as she searched Ruby's eyes for movement. There was none. Jacqueline sat down on the floor next to Ruby, wrapping both arms around her. This time Ruby payed her head on Jacqueline's chest. Fortunately, she did not cry. Both girls sat there, Jacqueline's focus on the blinds in the kitchen area. Without thinking she brought her hand up to stroke Ruby's hair. Ruby closed her eyes and sniffed.

"It'll be okay Ruby... I promise."

• • • • • •

Later on that night, Jacqueline sat on the balcony. The air was slightly chill from the rain earlier, which was nice compared to the humid air Louisiana usually had. Jacqueline had changed into sweats and her school spirit shirt. Southern University was written in royal blue ink with a yellow wildcat posing underneath. Fluffy black socks covered her feet and her hair was brushed into two puff balls. A half filled bottle of water sat on the ground next to the plastic chair.