Victoria had always loved the summer season. It allowed for comfortable clothes accompanied by warm nights. She'd come to enjoy them a bit more, especially since her death-date had been approaching. May 18th, 2014, that was today. Today was the last day she was to be alive.

It started out like any other day, waking up as the sun started to rise. Right over her favorite place to be during the summer, Galagar Park. It wasn't so much of a park that parents would take their kids to let loose. It was more like a garden full of trails and scenic meadows with clusters of trees all over before reaching the forest.

She figured since she was dying today, she'd enjoy it to the fullest. Her first stop was to the local shelter for a shower and a hot meal. She smiled at the server and went to sit down with one of the friends she had amongst the community.

"Oh my, I wasn't expecting to see you today, Vic!" Cheryl exclaimed.

"How come? My death-day doesn't mean I wouldn't want to come eat and get clean." Victoria told her. "I figure I could say my goodbyes and leave people on a good note, you know?"

"Of course, dear. Now, tell me you have something planned besides coming to see little old me?" The older woman queried. She was like the other mother Vic never had. Cheryl was always worrying and making sure she was well fed and safe

"You're not old, Cher! You're only 37; it's not like you're eighty or something." She teased.

"I'm old enough, thanks. Besides, you know what I mean." Cheryl chided.

Victoria laughed at the other woman before sighing. "As a matter of fact, I do. I'm going to go see my parents for the first time since I left. If I don't do it now, I never will. I refuse to let them think that I was so mad at them that I didn't ever want to see them again, not even on the day I die."

Cheryl stood up and pulled Victoria into her arms. "I'm sure that they'll be ecstatic to see you, especially today of all days." She reassured. "Now, you better get going if you're going to be taking the safe route."

Forcing a smile, Victoria held the woman before her in tight embrace and said goodbye. "I will never forget you, Cher. Thank you for everything." And with that, she left the woman knowing it would be their last encounter.

Victoria knew that the first thing she would need to do was to go make some money. It was easier to take a taxi into downtown Greensburg rather than walking. She thought about what to do as she walked. She got to where she stashed her guitar and the duffel bag she's been living out of for the last year. She finally figuring out where she wanted to play, she started walking in the direction of the church up on Main Street.

Walking along and humming, she noticed a quick movement in the alley she was passing and froze. Looking over, she sighed as she saw a cat jumping into a dumpster behind some Chinese food place. She was only three blocks away from the church.

"Just a silly little cat," she chastised herself.

Victoria stopped once more as she turned to walk back to the street. If she hadn't known better, she'd say that the cat just laughed at her. Walking closer, she examined the cat's appearance. 'It's my death-day. I'm bound to be a little jumpy.' she thought. Seeing as how the cat hissed when she got too close, she had concluded that she was just being paranoid. With a sigh, she walked off and continued on her way.