36. 2022

BUNNY

LAST MOMENTS

Ithought about how this seat would feel for decades, if it would be cold—if I'd feel the souls of those before me. I thought I'd be scared, too, but I don't think anything scares me anymore.

The walk to the execution room wasn't the longest walk I'd ever taken, but it would be my last one. As a child, death scared me because I didn't want to die in the same place I'd always been. I wanted to make something of myself and be better than everyone said I could be. Life didn't turn out the way I wanted, but at least I'm not scared to die.

Cole Cyrus, my little gift, walks behind me. He pretends to hold on to the chain attached to my shackles as the guard ahead does, but instead, he just holds my hand.

"I brought this for you," he whispers, sliding a rectangular object into my hand. Carefully, I bring it high enough for me to see, eyeing the old photo of Cade and me in the cup of my palm.

I can't say my thanks out loud. I can't even cry without drawing attention to me, but he knows how I feel as I press the image against my heart, right against that second envelope, letting its beat bring us back to life.

Soon, I tell myself before hiding the photo in my uniform, tucked protectively against my chest. Soon, I'll be with you again.

When I first step into the room, I don't look at anyone, though I know that's what they're waiting for. A part of me wonders if that's why my warden paraded me in front of the glass. I was their spectacle. I was there to put on a show.

After having my moment with my baby sister, I delivered all they wanted. I put on a show that would haunt Marone until it was his turn to join me in this chair. I don't know if that day will ever come. Probably not. But, oh fuck, did Emma give me a taste of what could be.

I was confused when alarms started going off inside and out of the glass, wondering if something had happened outside of this prison. Then Cyrus slipped beside me, subtly showing me the headline flashing across his screen. I didn't realize what I was reading until I heard my voice coming from every angle—my tale, finally out in the open.

I could breathe. For the first time in decades, I could breathe.

And when I did, I saw him there, that beautiful smile, waiting for me.

I love you.

Until the end.