When I was 11, my parents, along with my brother and sister, died in a car accident and my other brother Duncan and I were sent to live with our aunt in Vancouver.

This may sound odd, but ever since their death I've heard my sister's voice. I know it sounds crazy, but she's helped me through a lot. Through breakups, through math tests. It's always been wonderful to have Cassandra with me, cheering me on and keeping me company when I felt alone. I've talked to Duncan about it, but he hasn't heard anything. I've all but convinced myself it was only myself creating it because I miss my family so much. But it didn't really matter, it was always pleasant.

Her voice has grown darker over the past few months. Whispers accompaning hellish nightmares. I don't know if it's still her. Her giggle and vivacity no longer ring through and it sounds nothing like my sister. But who else could it be? Who could seap through my conciousness and speak out loud?

And what does it mean by wait? That's all I hear "wait" and "listen". The rest is all scrambled whispers.

So I wait. And listen.

My roommate's coming back in. I haven't told her any of this, she'll probably think I'm crazy. So it's my secret. My cross to bear. Please let my 19th birthday be peaceful. All I ask is for the 12th to be silent.