So spring break is almost done.

Tell us what you've been up to.

Two days passed since the last video.

I fell into a wreck afterwards,

so when I woke up,

Luke told me it'd be best if we took a break from his film.

He wanted me to relax and gather my thoughts.

But now, we were back in session.

Well, I've been holed up here with Luke the past few days.

We went out to the park a few times and such.

Nothing special, really.

Luke smiled.

And why exactly are you spending so much time

with this Luke guy?

I pursed my lips.

I kind of ran away from home after telling my parents

about my sexuality.

Luke nodded.

I was feeling at my lowest, I guess,

and there was no one else I could go to.

I paused.

So thanks for being there for me, Luke.

The look he gave me was heartwarming.

It wasn't a big deal, Sarah.

Before I could say something,

he moved on to the next subject.

So, who would you say is your hero?

I hummed as I thought about all the people in my life.

My parents were out of the question.

Virginia felt like an antagonist more than anything.

And...

there was Daniel.

When his face flashed in my head,

I froze

before clearing my throat.

Well,

there was this one guy I knew back in grade school.

We were ten

and his name was Daniel.

I paused as a smile crept onto my face.

He had the wildest imagination.

I chuckled softly.

I remember when he'd read aloud his stories.

Kids would just laugh at him,

but I was mesmerized.

He had this way with words that you could just tell.

One day, he was going to be a writer.

My smile went bitter.

He was bullied so much back then.

A frown quickly overtook my features.

People didn't like his kindness

and they didn't like his creativity.

I furrowed my eyebrows

as I remembered the past.

There were small changes.

So small,

you wouldn't have even notice at the time.

I cracked my knuckles in nervousness.

His smiles weren't as bright anymore.

His imagination went dark

and he began showing up to school with bruises.

I paused before looking straight into the lens.

He was gay, you know?

But people didn't like that.

I closed my eyes as the memories came back full force.

I remember how pale his arm was.

I remember the blood staining his mom's shirt

as she held onto him.

My voice was so soft,

I wasn't sure if Luke could even hear.

She was so heartbroken.

So lost.

I placed my hand over my heart.

He killed himself, Luke.

I whispered.

I should've stopped him.

I should've saved him,

like I should've saved myself.

But by the time I realized what was happening,

it was already too late.

Moments passed

as I wrapped my arms around my shivering body.

Can you please turn it off?

Not a second later,

Luke closed the camera.

~Sarah