she tiptoed
slowly and gently
her steps leaving invisible marks
on the cold marble floor

she turned
behind and sideways
but nobody was in sight
in the cold, dark room

it was the last chance,
she thought to herself
someone could stop her

so eighteen and lovely,
mary-ann
the girl everyone loved
picked up the rope

with caution and
descending tears,
she twisted it into a hook
and lifted her head
into it

she took in her
last few breaths
breathe in
breathe out
and then
there was absolute silence.

c.s