When I finally finished crying, my mom and dad got in the car waited for me to get in the other car and drive behind them to the house. Before I could get in, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and saw Hazel’s dad.
“Look Gus, before she-“ he swallowed. “Before Hazel died, she gave me this and told me to give it to you. She really loved you Gus. I had never seen her eyes light up like when she was talking about you. We’re all sad that she’s gone but I think that the one who was affected the most was you Gus. I mean, look at what you were about to do. You were about to light a cigarette. You know how much Hazel was against smoking Gus, and I think that you were in so much pain that you couldn’t hold on to your own life and Gus, God, I need you to stop that. I need you to stop thinking like that. I know that if Hazel were here, she would tell you the same thing. She would start yelling like crazy if she caught you doing what you were about to do. Yeah, I know it’s hard that she’s gone but dude,” he stopped. I could hear his voice wavering. I knew he was about to cry. I reached out and put my hand on his shoulder too and suddenly I was pulled into another hug. He patted my back and said,
“She wouldn’t want this. If she were watching, she would tell you to get up and live your life. That’s exactly what you have to do Gus. Exactly what you have to do.” He let go and looked me in the eye.
“Promise me for Hazel. Promise me Gus.” I looked at him for a long time and said
“Okay. I promise.” With that, he patted my shoulder and smiled a sad smile. Then he handed me a small piece of folded paper and walked away. Leaving me looking at the piece of paper with my name on it.