Michael's Story

Chapter 26

Mid-Sunrise created the most beautiful tint of orange. A slither of warm light emerged from the crack in Junie's curtains. Birds chirped, adding to the blissful mood.

Taking a moment to herself, Junie lay still, resting her eyes, feeling the sun's warmth on her face, and listening to the song the birds sang. Suddenly, nothing mattered, and she felt as if she were floating. The feeling was brief, but it was intense.

Something about this day set all the others apart from it. The atmosphere carried notes of transition and newness. A shift was coming, and it was all Junie could feel. But putting it into words was hard.

Journaling was becoming more critical to Junie. Junie shared what she'd been journaling about in her last session with Tess. She even shared details about Michael and his reluctance. But, today, on this very early morning, writing seemed physically impossible. So, peeling her open journal from her chest, she set it aside, intending to write in it later.

Michael sent another text message, checking on Junie as he did every early morning. It'd been four days that passed since she last saw Michael. Junie didn't want to cling to Michael, but he was one of one. Being without Michael would do damage.

Just then, she heard a knock at her door.

"Yes?"

Her door creaked as it was pushed open. Junie glanced at the door, seeing her mother peep her head in. Her mother's expression translated as concern. Junie straightened up, curious to know if something else had happened.

"I need you to keep an eye on your dad. He doesn't look okay. I'm going to work early, but call me if you need me." She said.

Junie bobbed, gazing at the door as her mother walked out. Fifteen minutes flew by, and her mother was off to work. Coming out of her room, Junie made her way to check on her dad. Her mother's concern made Junie hesitate to knock, but she did.

It seemed like she was twisting the door knob in slow motion. Finally, Junie cracked the door open, treading forward. Although, as usual, the room was dark, the difference was a musky smell invaded it. Unsteady breathing hummed through the room.

"You okay, Dad?" Junie asked.

Nothing. Jay said nothing to her. Junie turned back to switch on the light. From head to toe, Junie felt the prickly pins and needles sensation. She could no longer hear her heartbeat or smell the off-putting stench of the room.

Pale-skinned, bulging eyes, her father was curled into a fetal position. Heaving, he struggled to find his daughter's face. Once he finally settled his widened eyes on Junie, his lips quivered as she tried to speak.

"I need you to help me." He said desperately.

Hearing him utter the word 'help' forced her to take action. Junie stepped over to the bed, kneeling to be face-to-face with him. Nothing shattered her heart like seeing the life drained from the person she adored most.

"What do you need help with?" Junie asked softly.

"I-I wanna take a-a bath, but..." Jay panted lowly, "but I need help getting up."

"Okay." Junie nodded.

Slipping an arm under her father's torso, she helped him lift. Then, using her strength, she pulled him up to lean against the headboard. Jay aimlessly stared into his lap. It was hard for Junie not to glance at him.

Crying was the last thing on her mind. Her dad needed her, and as stubborn as she knew he could be, she would try and convince him to go to the hospital. Rummaging her parents' drawers for her father's clothes, she glanced over her shoulder again. He was still awake.