Ten years ago this town was different. Back when people still walked their dogs at night without fear of a car coming out of nowhere, leaving no sign behind.
Now we’ve got another one of these tragedies to add to the list. Emily Mae Smith, the 'beloved' Potsdam basketball player from Clarkson University, was killed in a hit-and-run last night. She used to light up this place with her smile and grace on the court. Now she’s gone.
They say they’re going to catch the person who did it. They always do, don’t they? The police come out with the press release promising justice. But we know how these things turn out around here, or at least I’ve lived here long enough to know.
The thing is, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. We used to feel safe in our little bubble. Now it’s as if everyone’s just trying to get through their day without getting hurt by some runaway driver who thinks they can get away with murder.
They’re saying it was a dark and stormy night, but I’ve seen rain before. Never saw rain like this, though. Not the kind that falls down when you least expect it, soaking everything in its path. Not just water, but tears from mothers who lost their daughters to callousness on the road.
Emily used to wave at me as she walked by my old hardware store. She’d go in for those little things players need sometimes - a new ball, tape for her shoes. Always had that friendly smile of hers. Now all we have are memories and grief.
