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I could have saved him. Tony Padilla repeated to himself over and over again.
The night air felt cold against his hand as he gripped the door handle of his Mustang.
Tears formed in his eyes.
He’d lost another friend, this time right in front of him.
“He just jumped,” Tony had explained. “I tried talking him down. It happened so fast. I tried to grab him but I couldn’t.”
Tony started the engine and slowly made the drive across town from the police station towards home.
“She recorded tapes about the reasons why she committed suicide. Yes. They’re in my car,” he had said over tears to Officer Standall.
It was over, there was no more passing the tapes on to the next person.
I’m so sorry that I couldn’t fulfill your last wishes.
Tony's tears distorted the headlights from other cars and street lights.
I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you to listen to your tape. I…I hope you’re together now.
Tony Padilla drove on through the night. Dawn would come and with it a new day, one without Clay Jensen.