Page 32 of Of Mercury and Mist

“What’d he say about you supposedly trying to take the pills? Does he know?”

Nodding, I said, “Yep, he knows. They think I was trying to steal.” My hands started shaking a little bit.

“How is it your fault someone else screwed up?” He tilted his head. “This is weird.”

“You’re telling me—if I’d known this place was like that, I never would’ve signed up. Move outta the way.” He was blocking the fridge where my orange juice was.

“So, I’m making some changes,” I continued. “I’ll find something else to make up for the lost income and if they finally do let me resign, maybe the other place’ll take me fulltime.”

Andy closed the refrigerator door for me. “You asked to resign? I’ve heard they don’t do that unless you’re one of the lower minions. You’re on an upper floor already.”

“Yeah, Josiah said as much. I talked to Della, too, so I think that’s why they let me go part time.” I laughed. “You should’ve heard her; she was in the background yelling at him.”

“Good for her.” His voice took on a serious note. “Be careful, I don’t want anything happening to you.”

* * *

The park was perfect.Filled with food carts, street performers, artists with standing easels painting the bridges and gardens, families hanging out and strolling with their kids—it was exactly what I needed. We were on the edge of summer, and everyone was more than happy for warmer weather after the harsh cold.

Tiny green buds lined the edges of the trees, ready to transform into lush green leaves once winter flipped to full-on spring. Robins were scattered about, pecking at the defrosting dirt and freshly sprouting grass. This was my favorite time of year, when everything renewed and came alive, and I savored the atmosphere as we walked.

We stopped at a food truck, and afterward a cart where Andy grabbed a couple greasy, messy hotdogs loaded with sauerkraut. We walked for a while before settling on a spot near one of the ponds and gathered at a picnic table. The scent of pine was strong and the noise of the traffic slightly muffled.

“I love it here,” Karissa said. “It's almost as if we were in another world.”

Mike pointed to the fir trees behind us. “You know some woman was raped back there by the swing set last week, right?”

Karissa glared at him. “Can we not? I'm trying to enjoy myself.”

“Here,” Andy said, thrusting a dripping hotdog under my nose. I was resting my elbows on the table, chin in hand and nearly swatted him away.

“Thanks.” After crunching into a mouthful of vinegar and grease, I snagged some napkins from the pile Karissa had placed on the table. I turned to Mike after I swallowed. “Where’s Ike?”

Mike checked his phone. “On his way.” He looked at Karissa. “I still think you should let him design your dress.”

The girl’s cheeks turned pink. “I don’t know,” she mumbled.

“Wait—he’s a designer?” I asked.

“That, he is. Brilliant, too. He’s getting a lot of attention. If Karissa here wears one of his designs, it’d be perfect.”

Sometimes I forgot her family had their pictures taken regularly. “What's this for?"

“Some award ceremony,” Mike answered. C'mon girl, you know you want to," he begged Karissa.

“Your peer pressure won’t work on me,” she retorted. Her smile told me it, in fact, would and I couldn’t help but grin.

She really was the sweetest girl, and I couldn’t help the guilt that welled up once again in my chest over what I’d inadvertently done to her. I cleared my throat and wiped my hands on a couple napkins, straightening my back. “So, I need to tell you guys about something that happened.”

“Ashley, don’t,” Andy interfered, his voice low. “It's not your fault.”

Mike’s curious gaze met mine and Karissa followed, her eyes wide and bright, sinking the knife in for the kill.

“But I do, it's the right thing to do.” My heart pounded, knowing I was risking good friendships. Father Time wasn’t waiting for me though, and if I was going to die with a clear conscience, I needed to know I did the right thing.

Placing my palms on the table, I studied the grain in the wood. “Karissa, it was me. I found your key card. I’m sorry.”

“What the fuck?” Mike hissed. “How did you do that?”

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