I sat at the dock, dangling my legs into the water, gazing into the distance. I could practically feel the blood on my feet, it was so much thicker than the murky water that rippled below me. And it was darker, oh so much darker. The crimson hue was like a fleeting cloud of red smoke, staining my skin and filling the air with a lingering sent of blood. I hated him, sure, but not enough for him to get hurt… not enough for him to die.

_Earlier that day…_

Today was the day, Max was going to propose. Well, he didn’t actually tell me, but I could feel it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling, it was a churning feeling. I felt physically unwell to think about getting married to someone like him… I had to say no. But I don’t want him to know that he hates me. As someone who has loved me all his life, Max would be heartbroken if I told him. I _can’t _say no.

We stood at the dock, looking out at the sunset, the sun casting a golden glow across the calm water. It was beautiful. Max’s hand found mine and he intertwined his fingers with mine. I forced a smile, giving his hand a squeeze.

“Baby,” I said, turning to face him. He smiled warmly, his dimples appearing. God, he was so handsome… “I have to tell you something…”

Max gazed at me, tilting his head, “go ahead, tell me anything.”

“I…” I hesitated, but went for it, knowing it would break his heart, “I don’t think I can do this relationship anymore…”

He seemed unfazed, not moving. Then, his face broke into a grin, “someone finally said it.”

My face fell. _What the hell was he on about? _

“What do you mean?” I asked, pulling my hand away from his.

“I never liked you. Ever.” His lips quirked into a smirk. He did not look like the man I fell in love with, “It seems as though you didn’t either.”

He was right about the latter… I just never knew. My chest felt empty.

“Why do you sound so proud saying that?” I said, my fists clenching.

“Because you’re a stuck up brat, that’s why.”

That’s when I lost control. I don’t know how I did it. I punched him… hard in the face. He fell. He hit his head. _Hard._ And tumbled into the water… dead.

_Present_

I still feel terrible. Did he really mean what he said? Did he really think that way of me? Did I really ever hate him?

I bury my face in my hands, sobbing quietly. My cries continues as a police took my wrists and dragged me away.