There’s a point where being helpful turns into being intrusive, and I’m not sure where in that Venn diagram I’m standing right now. I am also not sure if Gabs needs the will to live or the will to let go, but I know that I forced my dad to drive me here because I’m desperately hoping it’s the former.

“Is she going to be okay?” Gabs’s grandmother asks me through her tears.

“We don’t know.”

From: Gabriela Gonzales ([email protected])

To: Parisa Naficy ([email protected])

Date: June 5, 2023

Subject: FW: Graduation Program

I hope I live long enough to hear your valedictorian speech. Ugh, that’s dark. I probably shouldn’t joke about dying. I’m so proud of you.

I miss you, I hate this.

Xo

G

Forwarded message

From: Principal Jackson ([email protected])

To: Principal Jackson ([email protected])

Date: June 5, 2023

Subject: Graduation Program

Dear Winchester Families,

Attached is the program for our commencement ceremony for the class of 2023, as well as the Zoom link. We are committed to creating a memorable and special event, though we understand it won’t take the place of a traditional, in-person graduation ceremony you’ve all been looking forward to. But at the moment, our students’ safety is our number one concern.

If you are not a graduating senior and not partaking in any portion of the ceremony, we ask that you keep your video turned off for the entirety of the ceremony tomorrow, so that everyone can have a seamless streaming experience. We also ask that any nonspeaking participants keep themselves muted.

We are so proud of all our students, teachers, and families for getting through this incredibly difficult school year.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

All the best,

Principal Jackson

Parisa

You there?

Gabriela

No, I’m texting you from heaven right now. Service here is a little spotty, which sucks, but I hear in hell, they only have dial-up.

Parisa

NOT FUNNY.

Gabriela

I’m still here.

Parisa

I did something.

Gabriela

What do you mean you did something?

Parisa

It was kind of on a whim, and I’m terrified you’re going to hate me for it.

Gabriela

Oh no. I’m afraid to ask.

Parisa

I… went to your grandparents’ house, but instead of stalking them from the car like we used to do, I knocked on the door.

I met your grandma.

Gabriela

Whaaaaaaat?

Parisa

And I told her about you.

Gabriela

WHAAAAAAAAAT?

Parisa

Do you hate me? I thought you’d want to hear from your family right now.

Gabriela

I think my heart is gonna give out. Did you do this because you think I’m going to die?

Parisa

NO! I just, I know you. Something told me it was the right thing to do.

Gabriela

Well, fuck. What did she say?

Parisa