The Return of Ellie Black

by Emiko Jean

People are conditioned to believe girls plus bad choices equals bad things. It’s a type of inoculation. Lead a good life, and nothing heinous will befall you. But no one is invulnerable. No one untouched.

The greatest trick the devil ever played wasn’t convincing others he didn’t exist, but that your friends were your enemies.

wounds will always be there, won’t they? They’re like a boulder strapped to your back right now. Something that feels impossible to carry. But someday, they’ll change shape. They’ll become pebbles in your pocket. It won’t be so overwhelming then.”

She lets the grief roll through her and crest. A foamy burst. Because what is grief but the other side of love?