Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Life isn't fair

Morgan

After bawling for, I don't know how long, I finally resigned myself to this new life. A life without Momma as a single woman. How does someone navigate this new life without their main support? Can someone tell me because I have no clue?

No one prepares you for your life imploding. In one single moment, someone packed dynamite into your heart and pushed the lever down. Boom!

Once the dust settles, you're left with nothing. Everything that you knew no longer exists. It didn't for me. Maybe it never would.

I stared at the plate of homemade brownies before pushing it away.

Morgan, you need to eat.

I'm not hungry, Momma.

A broken heart won't last forever.

It feels like forever.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

No, it won't. It never will be.

Don't make rash decisions.

I know what I want.

You're a stubborn mule.

I take after you.

Conversations between my momma and me flooded me. Whatever she said, I countered because I was a stubborn mule.

When I introduced Momma to Rodney, she was cordial. But I could tell she wasn't a fan. She would give me the same look she always did when something didn't sit right with her. I was too blind to notice.

I'm not blind anymore.

Now, I'm left with a broken heart.

"Morgan?" Aunt Jessap called from the living room.

"In the kitchen!" I called back.

Aunt Jessap strolled into the kitchen, saw me, and gave me the biggest hug she could manage. "Oh, sweet girl. I wish I could say this was a bad dream."

I wrapped my arms around Aunt Jessap and held on for dear life. "I wish it was a bad dream."

Aunt Jessap stroked my head, offering comfort. "Your momma didn't want you to worry."

I pulled back and removed my arms from Aunt Jessap so she could sit. "What happened? I know she was in the hospital because she was sick. But she seemed like she was doing better."

"The doctors said she took a turn."

"But I just spoke to her that day. We argued, but I thought she was being ornery."

"Your momma wasn't in her right mind. The doctor said they call it hypoxia. It's a lack of oxygen to the brain."

I turned to the counter and put my head in my hands. "This is a freaking nightmare."

Aunt Jessap rubbed my back. "I wish it wasn't."

I covered my face, wanting this nightmare to end. Momma would be home, sitting on her couch, watching her old TV shows. I would stroll inside, sit beside her, and listen to her talk about her shows. Now, there would be no TV shows or talking.

"We have to meet with the funeral director and plan her funeral."

"Ugh, I don't want to do it."

"Unfortunately, we don't have a choice." Aunt Jessap glanced around. "Did Rodney come with you?"

I dropped my hands and looked at Aunt Jessap. "No."

"Shouldn't a husband support his wife during her time of need?"