Dont Be AfraidMay 12th.Mom?Yes, Honey?Im scared about next week.Oh, dont be scared. Its a part of life. Everyone does itits the just the way things are.But Mom, you didnt do it!I know, and Ive regretted it my whole life. But youre going to have a better future than me. Trust me, your mother knows whats best. She turned her head and smiled, and I felt comforted, for a second. But only for a second.May 15th. Are you taking it? Yes, of course. You?Yes. Are you nervous?Im really nervous. You dont feel anything, do you? No. You just take the pill and the next thing you know youre out of it. My older brother did it when he graduated, and I saw it happen.Its not sad? No, not at all. You know its just his body that he left behind. Hes having a better life now, and some day hell return to tell us all about it.May 17th.And youre sure about this? What if I dont wake up?Oh, stop that, Amy! Just calm down about it. Ive explained it already; you take the pill and your mind immediately gets put into a baby whos just being born. Youre going to have a much better life after you leave this onetrust me. Everyone who didnt do it when they could regrets it. But you have a golden opportunityand dont forget I expect you to remember me when youre a millionaire!May 18th. Paige?Paige?Paige, Im leaving tonight. My parents want me to go early. I trust them, I guess. When are you leaving? Will you look for me again? Anyway, I guess this is goodbye. Good luck.I took the cold, blue pill in my hands. It was larger than I had expected. But I had practiced this. I had practiced this. I know what Im doing. I know what Im doing. . . I sat down at the chair, cup and pill in hand. My mother, father, and younger sister sat around excitedly, watching. Just watching. My hands began to tremble. I slowly started to lift the pill to my mouth.But MomOh, thats enough Amy! Just do it. You know whats right for you. Dont be afraid, just do it. Well see you on the other side. Dont be afraid.Everyone does it.Honey, were giving you this opportunity. Be grateful for it.If you dont do it, youll end up on the streets in a blanket.No daughter of mine. . .Okay! Okay! Ill do it! In one solid sweep, I threw the pill into my mouth. I took a sip of water, and slowly, slowly I began to sleep. This is what I want. This is what is good for me. This is how I get a better future. This is what I would want. This is good. This is. . .