I made a mistake at age 18. One I can never get back. Most people when they reach 18 do something exciting. Like going to college. But I did something stupid.

————

“Do it! Do it! Do. It!” My friends chanted at me as we stood in the tattoo shop. I didn’t want to get a tattoo especially not at this sketchy-looking place. With boarded windows and rusted leaking pipes. But I lost a bet, and I am not a sore loser.

I walk up to the counter and I’m greeted by a woman who looks like she’s dying at 30. “Excuse me, ma’am? I would like a tattoo please.” I say with hesitation.

“Ah, of course, dear. Do you have anything in mind?” She asks me as she verified my ID. I shake my head and look back at my friends who are talking by the cracked wood-covered widows.

“Right this way honey.” She starts to walk towards the very uncomfortable-looking chair in the middle of the room. I follow behind her and sit in the indeed uncomfortable chair.

“You ready?” She asks me with this glint in her eyes I just can’t place. I nod and close my eyes as she begins.

————

“Done.” She steps back from me and I look at the back of my hand to see a date written there in thick black ink.

October 12, 2024.

I look at the woman in confusion. “I don’t get it,” I say.

“Oh, you will. Trust me. You’ll understand very soon…”

*

*

*

*

That brings me to now. Laying in a hospital bed struggling to breathe. ‘I understand now. I get it.’ I think as I take my last breath.

Alissa Genevieve

Born: October 11, 2004

Died: October 12, 2024