Page 51 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Seven

How? Where? When?
We just saw Daddy last weekend. He was fine. He was so
happy to see us and have us stay with him. He was so good this
time. Why, why now? My mind races in a million directions.
Grannie keeps trying to console us. “Mommy is flying back
from Denver just as soon as she can.”
“She wants to get back to be with you,” Aunt Lucille chimes
in, holding Vian even closer.
“What happened to him, what happened?” My tears have
turned into sobs.
Vian gazes up at our aunt, her tiny eyes glistening. “How did
he die?” she whispers.
I am terrified to hear the answer. But I think I already know.
I knew last night. That call.
There is more talking as shock settles in. The world has
stopped spinning. I can’t hear any more of their words. Only
mumbles and my own groaning, deep down inside. I feel sharp
piercing stabs. And dread, like a huge tidal wave is coming for me.
I want to run towards it. Not away. I want it to engulf me. To
drown me. I want to die and be with Daddy.
But I don’t. I continue to breathe and cry and shake and stare
blankly at the wall. When dinner is served, I stifle the nausea that
consumes me. It’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes and frenched
green beans. My aunt is an excellent cook and I love her comfort
food. But tonight I cannot eat. Not even one bite. Everyone is
quiet around the table. No one knows what to say. The air is thick
with discomfort. We all feel it. All I can do is stare at the food
on my plate.
“May I please be excused?” I ask politely.
“Yes, of course, Honey,” my aunt rises to take my hand. It
must be so hard for her, trying desperately to tend to our broken
hearts.

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