My gaze fell on the clock ticking before me. Slowly, its hour hand struck at the one. A nurse came in and wheeled me to my daily therapy exam. I sighed. This life was taking a toll on me. On some days, I felt as if my life should no longer exist but on others, I was as happy as a vivacious puppy. This was pathetic. 11

After returning from my exam, once again I was back to staring out the window. Rarely did I ever associate with any of the people living here. Never did I make any friends after the incident. I had deliberately shut myself from everybody I once loved and cared for. Turning towards the piano behind me, I wheeled forward and searched for the picture I had tried to avoid for so many years. There it was, folded neatly between a pile of books. Turning it over, I was surprised to realize how old it was. She was beautiful with her hair held up into a bun. Tears were flowing freely when I thought of her. My sister. She was the other part of me. For years, we had done everything together and shared our thoughts like any other pair of twins.22

Immediately as my eyes gazed on the picture, I returned it back to its original place. Memories were just memories now.33

Ashley and I were identical twins. She was the older one, delivered 5 minutes before me. As children, we would always love to play with each other's hair. She would gently comb mine while I did so to hers. Everyday, we would stroll around our tiny garden in the back and decide which hairdo we should make for each other. 44

By junior high, everybody called us "the Inseperatables" for nobody could come between us. It was like we were glued together. Together, we would walk hand in hand to class and always stayed with each other in school. Even we seperated, Ashley and I would become lonely and sober that neither of us could talk to others. 55

High school arrived and Ashley and I still maintained our reputation as "the Inseperatables". For years, we had the same teachers and classes. When 12th grade came, neither Ashley or I had boyfriends. 66

However, when we went to college, I met David. He was charming and handsome. My sister had a fit when she found out.77

"But Marianne, what will happen to us? When you're with David, what will I do?"88

I laughed and thought she was being overdramatic. "Ashley, it's not like you have no friends. Don't worry, our dates won't be long. I'm not going to be gone for a long time."99

She pouted her lips and refused to talk to me for the whole night. In my mind, I thought she was just being foolish. Eventually, she would understand.1010

My relationship with David went deeper and deeper. At times, I felt as if I could love him more than my sister. But then, I would remind myself that family would always come first.1111

Six months passed and my relationship with David was going steady. In the meantime, I was ignorant of Ashley's behavior. Years later, I realized that during that time, she was eating less and seemed to be more frustrated.1212

The day I was supposed to happy came. David had asked me in hands of marriage. Already hopelessly in love with him, I agreed.1313

When I came home, I raced to the door and shouted my happy news. Strangely enough, the house was really quiet. Closing the door behind me, I called out to my mom. There was no response. Then, I called out to my sister. Still no response. Assuming that they were out somewhere, I decided to walk up the stairs to my room. 1414

It was messy as usual. Picking up my clothes, I noticed a note on the floor. Curiously, I picked it up. Inside, there was a message from Ashley. Scanning through it, my jaw dropped.1515

Running out my room, I crossed the hall to Ashley's. To my horror, there she was, hanging in the middle of the room. I let out a shrill scream. Ashley had taken her life out of her rage and jealousy for me. Seeing her looking pale as death, I realized that she used a thick rope to tie around her neck. Deep red marks revealed themselves when I untied the rope. I noticed that on her arms were full of scrapes and scratches. Looking down, a pool of blood formed on the floor. A pistol was clenched in her hand. Searchingly, I found a small hole on the side of her head. Ashley had shot and hung herself in the midst of her anger. I crumbled to the floor and began crying hysterically. Rushing to the phone, I called the police and ambulance. 1616

A week after, Asheley's body was buried. I stood silently as the priest gave a speech about her life. After her burial, I blamed myself for her death. If it wasn't for me and my foolish ignorance, Ashley would probably have been alive to this very day. 1717

David and I were married a year after but still my mourning for Ashley downplayed my happiness. David tried to console me but I just pushed him away. My love for him was not like not like it was before. On our second anniversary, I found at that he was having an affair with another woman. Instantaneously, we divorced. He fulfilled his life with the other woman and ended up having 5 children.1818

After our divorce, I ended up dealing with drugs. I was sent to rehab. When I came out, I was a messed-up and lost outcast. Since I couldn't manage to take care myself, I was sent to a nursing home where usually retired people stayed. To my embarrassment, I was the youngest living there, only at age 27. For years and years, I was lonely and wished to die.1919

The thought of death brought a smile to my face. If I could end this pathetic life, I would be reunited with my dear Ashley. Reaching over for the pills I took once in a while to heal my constant pain, I took out a huge batch and gulped. Grinning widely, I felt my eyes begin to close and began my peaceful rest.