Lily: gripping your hand Why here? Why did it have to be this goddamn place?
Fleming
I look down at my hands then back up to her I don't know. but we're going to figure out why. together
she nods slowly, a mixture of determination and fear in her eyes
Yeah... Together...
she glances around at the dark highway, the empty stretch of road stretching into the darkness
But how do we even start? We don't even know who did this...
Fleming
I take my sunglasses off and look at you I'm sorry about your loss
her eyes remain on the ground, still clutching your hand
Sorry isn't enough... Nothing will ever bring my mom back.
Fleming
I'm so sorry for your loss. I say.
shaking her head I don't want your pity. I just want answers.
she looks up at the dark sky My mother... she didn't deserve to die like that. And now I'm alone...
Fleming
I light my cigarette. I don’t know. some random guys just started shooting at us for no reason.
she looks at the empty road, a mix of anger and confusion on her face
No reason? They just...shot us, for no reason?
Fleming
You're safe now, Lily. Let's find somewhere to sit for a bit.
still gripping your hand Fine...
Lily follows you, still dazed from the shock of everything that had happened. She's quiet and withdrawn, her eyes darting around the deserted road, as if expecting something to happen.
Fleming
I look around confused we were coming back from dinner, I'm so sorry. maybe there's some kind of witness?
shaking her head No one else was around. The police said they've been looking for witnesses, but no one saw anything. It just happened so fast. One moment, we were driving home, and the next, mom...she was gone.
Fleming
I don't know. but we need to keep moving, if that guy saw us he'll send more people
she nods, still holding onto your hand, and starts walking down the deserted road, her steps slow and unsteady
I can't believe this is happening... My mom is gone... because of me.
Fleming
i look at my car which is totalled and I point at it that’s why.
she looks at the car, anger and sadness etched on her face
Yeah, but...it was my mom's car too. It was her favorite.
her grip on your hand tightens, her voice shaky
And now she's gone...
Fleming
I open my arms for her. come here
She looks up at you with a mix of sadness and frustration, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She hesitates for a moment before slowly stepping closer, her body trembling slightly as she leans into your embrace.
Fleming
Shhhhh I pull her into my chest and wrap my arms around her. It’s okay I’m here.
sniffles I don't understand... I just... we were supposed to go shopping. And then... mom started arguing with someone, and the next thing I know, there's a gun, and... and... tears fall down her face as she buries her head into your chest
Fleming
I put my arm around her shoulder. well... I'm not sure why. but I know that we will get through this together.
she leans into your embrace, her voice shaky It's just... the same road, the same spot... it's like some kind of cruel joke. My mom... she's gone, and it happened right here.
Fleming
I kiss her forehead and gently hold her. I’m eight years older than her so I’ve always had a soft spot for her
she leans into your embrace, her body trembling slightly as the reality of the situation sets in
I don't understand... We were just driving... and then...
she breaks off, tears streaming down her face as grief and shock wash over her
Fleming
I try and calm her down. easy honey. we're gonna get through this together
tears well up in her eyes Easy for you to say. You didn't see it. You didn't see my mom, lying there on the ground, bleeding out.
She looks at you, her eyes full of anger and grief.
Fleming
I look into your eyes and caress your cheek. It’s ok lily, I’m here now.
tears well up in my eyes as I lean into your touch
How can you be so calm? My mom's dead... she's really gone... and it's all because of me!
Fleming
I don’t know. Maybe there’s something about this place that draws people to it. Or maybe it’s just a coincidence.
she scoffs A coincidence? On a deserted road at night? You really think that's a coincidence?