Snippet #946970

Charlotte leaned back against her bed, hugging herself tightly as she gripped her sides, afraid to let go. She gazed longingly at a small photograph of her mother, a lump swelling up in her throat as she fought back the tears that tried to escape her. Sighing deeply, she pushed herself onto the bed, lying face down as she pressed her face into the pillow. "Why is it always me?" she asked herself, her eyes lifeless and dull, there was no emotion in her face, but it was clearly visible she was upset. Glancing down at the carpeted floor, she picked up an over used and aged teddy bear from her childhood, she had had it for many years and for some absurd feeling, it had always made her feel relaxed and comforted, even at her age. Frowning, she placed it upon her bed, next to a large leather case, which was where her guitar rested. Thinking to herself for a moment, she clicked open the latches on the case and picked up the hollow, delicate instrument, her eyes scanning its body for any dents or scratches. It was in perfect condition, she had it for almost nine years now and could still remember her reaction when she unwrapped it on the morning of her birthday...

"I think you'll like this one" grinned her father, passing her the obscure object as he kissed his then wife (Charlotte's mother) on the cheek.
Charlotte smiled, her eyes bouncing with excitement as she tore off the stripey gift paper. As she ripped open the last piece of paper, her eyes lit up, slightly curious. "What is it?" she asked, glancing at her father bemusedly.
"Open it" he urged her, pointing at the latches.
Charlotte carefully pressed open the clips and peeked inside, breathing out a sigh of exhilaration. "Wow" she breathed, picking up the dusk sun acoustic guitar cautiously. She beamed, her eyes full of love and devotion, towards her father. Leaping at him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his chest. "I love it dad, it's perfect" she said, tears streaming down her face.
"I knew you would, now you can stop using mine, can't you?" her father said in a comforting voice as he patted her gently on the back...

Charlotte closed her eyes, a memory would only be a memory, she was alone in this world, more alone than ever.