It was Cora’s 18th birthday, and she looked beautiful. Her straight brown hair had been curled for the occasion, and it fanned out around her heart-shaped face. Her mother had agreed to a little pink lipstick, to add some color, and because pinks and reds were Cora’s favorite.

The light, floral dress she wore was too sheer for February, but her mother knew it was the dress that made her sweet daughter feel pretty. It was Cora’s birthday; her mother would have said yes to anything to make her daughter happy.

Cora’s boyfriend, Dalton, had taken her out for a birthday dinner three days ago, despite the approaching snow storm.

He was still in the hospital, and so wouldn’t get to see Cora in her dress, or her casket, today.