I always thought love was something amazing. Something that humans just always longed for and needed. I thought that if it was true love then people would do anything: even die.

But I didn't realize how far people would go.

How far they could go.

I have never met my parents. They died when I was just a baby. So I was raised by my dad's sister and it was fun, she was funny and loving and caring; her husband was alright I guess.

On their 15th anniversary , Aunt Su and Uncle Nelson told me they were going to go out just themselves and they trusted that I was too old to have a babysitter. They shouldn't have trusted a teenager in the house alone but I am glad they did.

The moment they left.... Lights off. Speakers on. Volume max. And music on. I was perfectly content with this setting but as I slid down the hallway in my sweats, pretending to be some 90s rocker, I hit the wall and the ladder of the attic came crashing down, nearly missing me. I scream and jump away freezing at the site of it.

I was never allowed in the attic.

I should not go up there.

But my body seemed to be moving on its own.

As I made my way up the ladder, so many thoughts flooded my head. Threatening to explode. What was I going to find? I make my way through and stand up once I reach the top, only to find myself in an empty room. Mostly empty. A lone box sat in the middle of the room, which was surprising clean. I slowly and curiously approached the box and when I got to it I examined its exterior. Black with golden designs of no particular pattern.

My fingers trembled as I lifted the box although I did not know why. Inside were a bunch of old letters all adressed to the same place. I recognized my dad's handwriting immediately.

Heartbeat racing, I read every letter.

"Dear Liz,

      I love you more than you can imagine..." 

"Dear Liz,

      I would do anything for you. Anything..."

"Dear Liz,

      I hate to see you hurting like this..." 

"Dear Liz,

      Why won't you let me help you....."

"Dear Liz,

      I killed her for you..." 

I always thought love was something amazing. Something that humans just always longed for and needed. I thought that if it was true love then people would do anything: even die.

But I didn't realize how far people would go.

How far they could go. But now I understand.