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You're only eight years old when your parents die. You watch as both of them go down in the water and they never come back up. The sound of the sirens is loud, drowning out your sobs as you huddle even deeper under the blanket. Your clothes are soaked and the car is sinking even deeper into the lake. Rescue divers are trying their hardest to save your parents. They weren't small enough to swim through the gap of the backseat window. You were fortunate, you were lucky they tell you that. But why don't you feel like it?
You're only eight years old when you are left on the doorstep of your aunt's house. She's your mother's older sister, but you've never seen the woman before in your whole life. Her name is Olive, a silly name for such a sombre individual. She doesn't talk much, just leads you to your room and leaves. You cry into the pillow until you can't anymore. The house is dark as you make your way towards the kitchen for a drink. There is a light coming from the backyard, shining through the glass of the door. Curious you take a look. Your aunt is sitting in a chair, talking but there is nobody else there. Her eyes are unfocused and her expression flat. A bat flatters by and only then do your eyes fall on the graves that surround her. You count nineteen of them. Two of those graves belong to your parents.
You're only fifteen years old when you fall in love. He's been your best friend for years and suddenly he's become so much more. His name is Johnny and his hair is blond and his skin is green. He's kind and funny, he takes you out for rides in his parents' car even though he's still too young to drive. Soon, he promises, soon he'll get his driving license and he'll take you far away. Out of this town and far beyond. The road stretches endlessly. You can't wait.
You're only eighteen years old when your last living relative dies. One day you come home from school and find your aunt slumped over in her chair. She's cold. You don't cry. As per her wishes, you bury her remains in her own graveyard, next to your parents. You're alone now, she doesn't come out at night as all the other ghosts do. She left you the house but not a single penny to sustain yourself with. It all went to an unnamed heir that you cannot trace. Luckily you have a part-time job and old furniture to sell. You don't tell Johnny. It's only two more months until your graduation.
You're still eighteen years old when your boyfriend picks you up in his car. His own car, not one borrowed from his parents. You and Johnny drive out of town and far away. You're both going to college and after that, when both of you are done with school, you'll live together. In a house. A different one. You left the other to your strange cousin that knocked on the door one day. Maybe you'll call him, maybe you won't.
You look at Johnny next to you. You don't know it yet but there's a ring in his pocket. He's waiting for the right moment, it'll be a surprise. His sister teases him, his parents are proud. You don't realize it but soon you'll have a family again. You smile. One day you'll know that you are lucky.