Beautiful Boy

take care of yourself

amara haven

My eyes fluttered open to start my fourth day sober. I hope.

I reached for my sketchbook on the bedside table, grabbing it and a pencil and doodling.

I couldn't help but remember the way Nicolas taught me how to draw.

At least it was a no-school day.

I peeked at the clock on my desk to see that I'd slept in till 3 PM.

I didn't think it was a no-school day...

Perhaps Dad convinced Mum to let me stay home.

It's not like there would be much work, the prom was on Friday.

Hold on, wasn't it Friday?

It must've been a no-school day because of the prom.

I set my sketchbook aside and stood up to get a snack from the kitchen.

I slipped on an old hoodie and joggers, brushing my hair out.

As I stepped into the hallway, I heard an unexpected cry from my parents' room.

I cringed before hearing my name being yelled.

"Amara!" Mum called, "Amara, please."

I hesitated, but walked towards the end of the hall, being stopped by Kinsley as I was about to open the door.

"What's she yelling about?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. Take Val downstairs and I'll check on her, okay?" She nodded and I kissed her head.

I cracked the door open and the room was empty.

The bathroom door was the slightest bit open and the light was on.

"Mum?" I called.

"Bathroom," she sounded like she choked on her words.

I rolled my eyes, assuming something had happened with her hormones.

I pushed the door open.

My heart broke.

It simply shattered.

A million broken pieces in my chest.

"Amara, call 911," Mum urged.

I nodded, snapping out of a trance.

I ran to my room, grabbing my phone.

"911, what's your emergency?" The responder said.

I hesitated a moment, "My- my Father overdosed. We need an ambulance as soon as possible."

I heard Mum calling at my sisters for them to leave.

"Okay, name and address. And what did he overdose on, honey?"

"I'm not sure. But it's uh- 107 Santa Rosa Ave in Sausalito," I replied.

"Okay, we'll have someone there as soon as possible," she said.

"Tha- thank you," I swallowed, hanging up.

I put my phone down and dropped myself to my bed.

I placed my head in my hands, tears welling in my eyes.

"Amara? Did you call them?" Mum pushed my door open.

I looked up and nodded.

"Okay," she blew out a breath, "Your sisters are going out for a while. You're coming to the hospital."