"Dark Resolution"

The figure stepped forward, and Ashley's eyes widened as she saw the mix of concern and determination etched on his face. He handed her a small bag containing a bottle of pills and a rope. "Don't tell anyone," he whispered urgently. Ashley felt a shiver run down her spine as she took the bag from him. She looked up, and their eyes met for a brief moment. "I said to Emily, thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The figure nodded, his eyes never leaving hers, and turned to leave. Ashley watched him go, a sense of calm washing over her. She opened the bottle of pills and took one, swallowing it dry. The bitter taste filled her mouth, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. As she looked at the rope in her hand, a sense of resolve hardened within her. She wrapped the rope around her neck, the soft fibers digging into her skin. The world around her began to blur, and Ashley felt herself slipping away. She thought of her father, of Emily, of the pain and the sadness that had haunted her for so long. As the darkness closed in around her, Ashley felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was finally free. The old oak tree loomed above her, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. Ashley's vision began to fade, and she felt herself falling, the rope tightening around her neck. Everything went black.