I smile slightly, a little lopsided. The figure stares at me in disbelief. “ Are you gonna answer?!” They whisper token aback. “ I found it in a room… “ I say now getting a little nervous. They tilt their head to the side “ can you be any more vague?! “ they say urgency in their voice. I laugh a little, but continue to stare at my worn sneakers. “ I found it in a basement on Oak St. “ I say now looking up. The stranger looks almost scared themselves. “ Now why don’t you tell me how you found me “ I dare to say with a smile. The stranger mumbles something about not liking people and such, then finally as if they realized I was still there shook their head and finally answered. “ Some people have their ways. The same way you found me “ that doesn’t give me the answer. I sigh looking at the bag wondering why I grabbed it myself then lean back noticing it. Their hood is sliding back not on purpose obviously but it’s not tied or anything. I get a glimpse of messy brown curls on their head. Not long, but short. “ Nice hair “ I say with a grin. Their sly mood changes into panic as they pull their hood back over their head. Silently they stand. “ Are you taking the bag? “ I ask immediately realizing that was a stupid question. They snatch the bag like their a feral animal grabbing food before saying “ thanks for doing business with you “. They go and walk out. I smile to myself as I pull the bag out from under the table and open it. Inside is the knife. I still can’t get caught. Not yet anyways. I swing the bag over one shoulder before leaving the dingy room. I’ll never miss it. And they won’t miss me. As I leave the abandoned home I try to disappear into the shadows as people say I do. No need to draw attention. I walk silently as it’s not exactly night yet and people are still out. “ Hey! Viv! “ someone yells. I turn to see my friend, Leah. “ Hi! “ I say trying to hurry. “ Whatcha doing? “ Leah asks smiling. I try to smile but am frustrated that she’s wasting my time. “ Oh you know! Just walking “ I say switching the backpack to my left shoulder. “ Okay just…walking? Not going somewhere just walking with no mean or purpose? “ she asks. I swear this girl can’t back off! “ Well I’m heading to the lake but I should really get going my brother and mom are waiting!” I say trying to sound urgent. She goes quiet before walking away. I run down the street wanting to get as far away as I can. Eventually I slow to a jog as I turn to the woods. I try to dodge the branches trying to scratch and cut me. The looming dread of these dead woods unnerves me in a way. I try to collect my thoughts not sure of what to do next. The lake is just up ahead it’ll be fine. I come out to a clearing the lake in the center sparkling and clear. I drop the bag and take out the knife. I bring it to the lake and throw it in. I watch the initial splash and it sink. As I turn someone says “ Viv? “ I let out a little cry before I see Leah. “ You followed me?! “ I hiss. “ Yeah Viv cause I’m worried! “ and as soon as she says that the cop steps out of the woods and says “ Vivian, we need to bring you to the station on account of…um…murder “ .