Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Burial

Morgan

I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. I got a few winks last night, but not enough to qualify as a restful night. Too many thoughts ran through my mind. Today, I would focus on Momma and then take care of her final affairs.

How do you say goodbye to someone who's been there throughout your life? It doesn't seem real.

The bedroom door opened, with Mary poking her head inside. "You awake?"

"I didn't sleep much last night." I kept staring at the ceiling, hoping Momma would appear.

Morgan, you can't wallow forever.

Can't I wallow for a little? Dusty hurt my feelings.

Dusty is just one boy. There will be plenty of others.

But I liked him. Why didn't he like me back?

He wasn't the boy for you.

I blew air past my lips, trying to keep the tears at bay.

"Amber and I will get ready. Come down when you're ready," Mary said.

"Okay."

Mary closed the door behind her when she left the room. I got up, grabbed some clothes, and headed to the bathroom. I turned on the shower, stripped, and climbed inside. As the water splashed on me, I let the tears flow freely.

Sobs wracked my body as I cried for not having Momma. My legs gave out as I collapsed in the shower. I laid my head on the bottom of the tub and wailed. It felt like I was suffocating.

God, help me!

******
Hank

Mary and Amber came downstairs to grab a cup of coffee. We heard a thud from the second floor and raced upstairs. I burst into the bathroom and found Morgan lying in the bottom of the tub with water spraying on her.

I turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and covered Morgan. Morgan sobbed in the tub. I helped her upright, wrapped the towel around her, and lifted her from the tub. Then I carried her into her bedroom and sat on the bed with her in my lap. Morgan buried her face into my chest and cried.

I wrapped my arms around her and rocked her. "Shh, I got you."

"I can't breathe," Morgan gasped.

I pulled back from Morgan, cupped her head, and looked into her eyes. "Just breathe, darlin."

Morgan nodded as her breath stuttered.

"Take another breath."

Morgan gulped air like a fish. I breathed with her until her breathing calmed. Pa said Ma experienced the same thing when she lost her folks. It took time, but Ma learned to live with the grief.

"You okay?"

Morgan nodded. "Yeah."

"Do you want me to help you get ready?"

"Please."

"Okay." I lifted Morgan from my lap and placed her on the bed. I grabbed her clothes, handed them to her, and turned my head while she put on her undergarments.

Once Morgan had on her bra and panties, I helped her with her dress and shoes. The girl needed care after what she endured.

After Morgan was ready, I led her from the bedroom downstairs to the kitchen. Mary and Amber took over so I could change.

*****
Morgan

Everything was a blur. I was there but not. I couldn't even process Hank helping me. I sat in a kitchen chair in a daze. Mary placed a cup of coffee in front of me. I stared at it before pushing it away.