Marie, Age 11

Lola just broke up with her latest boyfriend today.

I still don’t have a boyfriend, none of them pay attention to me. But I’ll be fine if I stick to what I know and don’t try for love.

Tyler, Age 12

I saw that girl again.

The one with the big blue glasses and brown hair.

I still don’t know her name.

I want to though. I wish I knew her name.

Marie, Age 12

Tyler was looking at me again today.

I hope he’s gonna stay to his group and I’ll stay to my classes. I don’t want to fall. Not again.

Tyler, Age 14

She has a boyfriend.

It’s time to move on from her.

But even still, I wish I at least knew her name.

Marie, Age 15

Why did I fall in love with him. All he did was hurt me.

Tyler stopped watching me though.

I wish I could just erase my heart and feelings and forget, go back to my studies.

Tyler, Age 16

She stopped coming to school a week ago.

I got the courage to ask someone where she went.

“She’s at the hospital,” they said, “she won’t be back for a while,” they said.

Now I sit crying in my room. I know her name now. Marie.

Marie, Age 16

They say I have a 2% chance of living. They say I have cancer in many parts of my body, including my heart.

I didn’t mean I wanted my heart erased like this.

Tyler, Age 20

I haven’t seen Marie since August 18th. It was her birthday.

She had turned 18. That was two years ago.

She passed away not even 30 minutes after I saw her.

I didn’t attend her funeral. I couldn’t.

I realize now, that I should’ve talked to her more.

I should’ve told her that I’ve loved her since I was 12.

I should’ve told her anything.