Story in reverse

Hello followers! I realised I've not posted any writing soon so here's something to have a look at. It's from a few years ago and DEFINITELY needs some improvement but it's something I'm going to start doing again. In my Fiction Workshop class at uni we had an assignment to do each week, experimenting with different writing techniques by writing the first 500 words of a chapter / short story in that particular tense / style. This is a story in reverse, which is pretty self explanatory, but it was really fun playing around with the technique. Anyway, here's how mine turned out. It's definitely something I'm going to try and set myself each week! Here's my story in reverse, enjoy!

June.                     Dear Bella. It was your birthday yesterday. I lit a candle for you and prayed for you and for myself. I am still unable to face the outside world. The sunshine and warmth only make me feel colder and emptier. I should be trying to enjoy the summer while it lasts but instead I am shut away unable to talk to anyone. You are the only person I want to talk to, the only person I want to see. I would give anything just for another second of your company. I am trying to be strong but instead am gently falling apart, piece by piece all because you are not here. I miss you more than words could possibly begin to describe. Daddy and Luke are trying to be strong for me, bringing me bowls of tomato soup as that’s all I can stomach, putting blankets over me when I fall asleep in the day, and making me cups of tea when I’m up all night. The police told us they found out what happened to you. I cried for days. You are so brave, and forever in my heart. Mum.

May.                      Dear Bella, I bought your birthday card today. I’ve written you a poem in it for you to read when you are home. Mum.

April.                     Dear Bella, the police are still questioning people and searching the village. I’ve had hundreds of letters posted to me but cannot bear to open them. I do not wish to open them because I know you are still out there. I won’t give up until you are home. I went into your room today and Harry Horse is sat on your bed waiting for you. He says he misses you and wants you to come home, we all do. Daddy made me sausage and beans on toast for lunch. I’ve put your Easter egg on your bed ready for when you come home. Mum.

March.                  Dear Bella, the house was searched again today. I cannot believe anyone would think we would ever do anything to harm you or put you at risk. I feel sick with anger. I have been very sick. I cannot seem to eat anything. It doesn’t feel right without you sitting opposite me at the table. Daddy says I’ve become very thin and pale. I know I’ll be back to my regular self once you’re back so try not to worry. We are all praying for you. It’s been two months without you now. 63 days.  1512 hours.

February.            Dear Bella, today it’s Valentine’s Day. I made you a card with the card making kit you bought me for my birthday. You knew it would come in useful. The police have searched our house and questioned us for hours. We’ve told them everything we know, which is nothing. I feel so helpless. I cannot bear to write anymore. Please come home, nothing is the same without you. Mum.

January.               Dear Bella, where are you? Where have you gone? Who are you with? Why did you leave the house without telling me? When are you coming home? You’ve never left without telling us where you’re going before. I haven’t slept for three days in the hope you’ll knock on the door. No one knows where you are. No one has seen you. I feel as though I cannot function until you are home. Everyone is out looking for you, searching the whole village. I waited at home in case you came home while they were all out searching for you, but you didn’t. You’re gone.