The Sound Of Your Heart

THIRTY-FIVE

MILES

As I lie here on my grandfather's bed, surrounded by the familiar scent of his cologne and the fading memories of our time together, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness. The rain outside seems to mirror the turmoil within me, each drop echoing the tears that stream down my face.

I remember the way he used to hold my hand when I was a child, his rough skin and gentle grip giving me comfort in times of fear or sadness. He had a way of making everything better, of chasing away the shadows with his infectious laughter and kind words. And now, as I lay here, all I have left is the memory of those moments and the ache in my heart that refuses to subside.

The rain continues to fall, each droplet a reminder of the life that my grandfather lived, the love he shared, and the legacy he left behind. As I listen to its rhythmic beat, I close my eyes and let the sorrow wash over me, allowing myself to grieve fully and release all the emotions that have been building up inside me since his passing.

I opened and stared at the ceiling as my mind kept wandering back to my father. It was strange; I hadn't thought about him much since we arrived at this old house, but now his absence felt like a gaping hole in our lives. My mom, my brother Jackson, and I had all come here to attend Grandpa's funeral, but Dad hadn't joined us. The thought of him not being here, not mourning with us, made me feel angry and hurt.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that he didn't care about Grandpa or us. Didn't he miss him? Didn't he miss the us? The questions swirled in my head, refusing to let go.

I tried to push them away and focus on the present, but my mind kept drifting back to Dad. How could he do this to us? Why did he have to be so selfish? A tear rolled down my cheek, and I bit my lip to keep from crying out loud. I hated myself for feeling this way, but I couldn't help it.

Lost in my thoughts, a sudden gentle knock disrupted my peaceful reverie, causing me to glance up at the door without standing up. My heart skipped a beat as I saw someone standing in the doorway other than my mother. She wore a black dress and coat, her eyes shining with a warm smile as she gazed at me. Despite the unexpected interruption, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and security knowing that my mother was here as if everything would be okay now that she had entered the room.

"Hey," Mom said with a sweet smile as she sat down on the bed, patting my head like I was still her baby boy. I couldn't help but smile back at her, feeling a warmth in my heart that only a mother's love could bring.

"You've been lying here for like an hour now," she said, her voice filled with concern. "Have you eaten anything yet? Do you want me to grab you something?" She always worried about my health and well-being, and it was a habit of hers that I had grown accustomed to over the years.

I shook my head before answering, "No, Mom, I'm good. Just enjoying your company." The truth was, I wasn't hungry at all.

Mom smiled again, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Okay, honey. Well, let me know if you change your mind." I smiled and nodded in response.

"Good, bye the way, someone's here to see you," she said, emphasizing the word someone. Her voice was soft, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. My brow furrowed in confusion as I looked up from my work.

"Who is it?" I asked, trying to hide my curiosity.

"He says he's your friend, and he came here to send his condolences," she replied, her voice dripping with drama. I felt a jolt of surprise run through my body.

"Do you want me to bring him in?" she asked, her eyebrows raised expectantly.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, something inside me clicked. "I'll go get him," she said with a smile before she made her way out of the room.