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My heart breaks a little bit as I scoop a piece out, plop it in a bowl of ice cream, and set it in front of her. “Here you go.”

“Thank you, Lo.” She smiles and digs right in.

I stand back, arm myself with my spoon, and count down, “In three … two … one!”

* * *

When I throw back the blanket, I see a note, and all the disappointment I feel begins to dwindle, filling with hope—hope that it’s from him and that he’s feeling the same about not being here.

Lo,

I know we weren’t supposed to talk about this until after the game, but I want you to be the first to know—and I need it to come from me.

I can’t be there tonight to say it in person, and maybe that’s for the best. Because I need you to see all of me, and I want you to have time to take it in.

If you decide you don’t want to be close to it, to me … I’ll understand.

There’s a duffle under the bed in the other room. Inside is a folder with all my secrets. Everything you should know about my past.

KG

Now, I’m sitting here unfolding a newspaper with a post it note that says, number one and on the front page is an image of a mobile home with crime tape blocking the door.

The Morristown Gazette

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Tragedy in Hollow Creek: Double Homicide Rocks Quiet Neighborhood

By Jolene Franklin, Staff Reporter

MORRISTOWN, AK — A gruesome double homicide in the Hollow Creek area left two adults dead and a small community stunned late Thursday night.

The victims, identified as Marisol Smith, 35, and Jimmy J. [Surname withheld due to ongoing investigation], 39, were discovered in a single-family home on Ridgeview Road after a 911 call was placed shortly before midnight. Responding officers confirmed that both victims were deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.

Authorities say the incident appears to have stemmed from a domestic altercation that turned violent. According to preliminary reports, Ms. Smith and Jimmy J [Surname withheld due to ongoing investigation] were not married but had been living together for approximately six months, along with their two sons from prior relationships.

Both boys—aged 15 and 12—were in the home at the time of the incident and were found physically unharmed.

In a disturbing turn, one of the juveniles is currently in custody, suspected in connection with the fatal shootings. Due to the ages of those involved, the names of the minors have not been released. The child is being held at the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center pending further investigation.

“We are treating this as an active investigation and are pursuing all leads,” said Sheriff Tilden Myers during a brief press conference Friday morning. “This is a deeply tragic situation, and our thoughts are with the surviving families.”

Sources close to the investigation report that the weapon used was a shotgun. Further details on the motive remain unclear, though neighbors have described prior disturbances at the residence and alleged a pattern of “loud arguments” and “violent behavior” over the past several weeks.

Local Child Protective Services has been contacted to ensure the well-being of the surviving minor, who has been placed in temporary custody.

Notably, the older child involved had celebrated his birthday that same day.

“This is the kind of thing that rattles your bones,” said a neighbor who asked not to be identified. “You never think something like this is going to happen here.”

Authorities have not commented on whether charges will be filed or whether the case will be transferred to adult court, though legal experts note that, given the nature of the crime, it remains a possibility.

No funeral arrangements have been made public at this time.

I unfold the next newspaper, labeled, “number two” and read as tears fill my eyes start to fall.

The Morristown Gazette