A car was speeding through the dark night until it deviated from its path and collided heavily with a roadside oak tree. The powerful engine roared and the girl in the driver’s seat died immediately. The other girl’s condition
was still unknown...
     I despise sleeping on a softer surface. This bed was far too comfortable. I drew my pillow, intending to sleep on the dilapidated carpet on the living room floor. The space under my pillow was illuminated. It was Marcella, calling my cell phone. I first met her three months ago. She had graduated from my school, UC, and worked for my advisor. I found her contact information on the school website and called her to learn more about the research lab. She was very friendly and started talking to me on a regular basis, mostly to vent about her daily struggles.
     The first call was missed. She immediately started calling again. I picked up the call, a shiver running down my spine. Why was she calling at such an inconvenient hour? It was three o’clock in the morning.
     “Hello?”
     “How are things going for you?” Marcella inquired cheerfully.
     “I’m as good as any sleepless person can be at this hour,” I laughed. “How are you?” I asked.
     “Not good. I, too, am afflicted with insomnia, like you!” Marcella responded with a laugh, too.
     “Why, suddenly? Is there anything bothering you?”

     “Nothing’s bothering me. I was making plans to travel to Miami for the winter vacation the other day. This winter will be bitterly cold in both Chicago and Sioux Falls. So, I was wondering if you would like to fly to Miami to spend the winter break with me.”
     “Are you really ready for the winter break? It’s the middle of September, and we’re swamped with classes, assignments, and labs.”
     “I know but it feels wonderful to plan for a warm winter vacation. What is it that they say? In the winter, you need the sun, the sea, and your sweetheart.”

     “LOL, you just made this up right now.”
     “It irritates me when people say LOL without actually laughing.”
     “HAHA, I’m actually laughing now, are you happy?”
     “Of course, Tyler, I am so happy to get a chance to listen to your laugh!”
     Was she acting strangely? Sort of!
     “How’s Trish?” I tried to change the topic. Trish was Marcella’s current best friend. They went out a lot despite having completely different personalities.
     “Trish is fantastic. We did, in fact, go out this evening.”
     “Where?”
     “Only a short distance to downtown. We went to three different clubs, danced a lot, and played some games." Marcella sounded pleased.
     “What did you do while Trish was drinking?” I knew Marcella didn’t drink, but Trish might.
     “Oh, I didn’t drink. I forgot to bring my ID. As a result, I was unable to enter the bar. Fortunately, the podium was outside, and anyone could dance with or without ID. By the way, it would be great if you were there.”

     “Oh, I see. Were you alone outside for some time when Trish was inside?”
     “Yes, I was,” Marcella replied shortly.
      “Oh, so it wasn’t all that much fun, I guess.” Marcella remained silent. So I inquired, “When did you get home?”
     “I didn’t, actually. Trish is my ride and she is super drunk. I don’t have DL, you know.” I knew. Marcella had not yet applied for a license.
     “So, where are you now?" I was a little curious.

     “Nowhere,” she laughed.
     “I don’t understand. Are you okay?”
     “Absolutely, I’ve never felt better.”
     “Great!” Although I did not understand her situation correctly, I did not ask. There was no point in asking someone about themselves if they were not willing to share.
     “Tyler, I need to know something. From you.”
     “Can’t you ask it tomorrow morning? After sleeping?” I yawned.
     “After sleeping?” She burst out laughing. ”No, I need to know it before going to bed.”
     “All right, what is your question?” I thought she was acting strangely.

     “Have you had any fortunate events over the past three months?”
     I tried to recall. I had been in this state for four months. It’s a brand-new environment for me. Despite the fact that I despise school, I came here for it.
     “I had no notable events occur to me in the last three months. The worst three months ever, I should say,” I continued, giggling loudly, “Assignments, tests, meetings, and labs are completely messing up my life.”
     She sighed, and I heard it. “Goodnight, Tyler, and good luck.” Marcella hung up.
     I failed to grasp it. Was she bothered by anything? Where was she sleeping if not at her house? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I eventually fell asleep, still
feeling uneasy...
     The next morning, I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram when one post caught my eye. I was shocked and worried about my sanity. “Marcella Rodriguez, 20, a UC alumna, passed away in a car accident in Sioux Falls yesterday. For our entire school, especially our students, this loss is certain to elicit a wide range of feelings, worries, and questions.”