Sifting Through the Ashes

Part I: Chapter 2

          As Christmas drew closer it became harder for Diana to hold herself together. Every day was a struggle and Diana felt drowned in an abyss of loneliness. Some days she never even left her room, coming out only to reassure her mother that she was just sleepy. She didn't think things could get any worse- until they did.

------------

          It had been a bad day and Diana had been sleeping until her mother knocked on the door at three in the afternoon. "Di, I've gotta run and get some last minute stuff for dinner tomorrow." Diana had almost forgotten that tomorrow was Christmas. "Do you want to come?"
     "Mom, I'm tired, okay? Please don't knock again." Diana was frustrated and it showed in the way she spoke.
     "Okay." Diana could hear the hurt in her mother's voice. "I'll see you later, Diana. I love you."
     "Yeah, whatever. Bye." Diana rolled back over and fell asleep.
          Mrs. Bryan went to the store and began to head home. The whole time she was wondering what was wrong with Diana. Hoping that Diana was up by now, Mrs. Bryan looked down to send a text.

"On my way. See u in a few. Hope u r feeling bettr. Luv u."

          She hit send and looked up- just as a truck pulled into the intersection that she had run a red light to get into.

          Diana hadn't been awake when her mother texted her, but she woke up quickly when the police began pounding on the front door.
     "GIVE ME A MINUTE!" She shouted, and the pounding stopped. She threw on a robe and quickly ran a comb through her hair before answering the door.
     "Hello, I'm Officer Winchester and this is my partner, Officer Novak." The taller one spoke and showed his badge. "We are with the police department. May we come in?"
     Diana was slightly surprised that the police were at her house. Was her mother expecting them? Was there even a choice of whether to let them inside? "Um... yea. Come on in."
             Officers Winchester and Novak followed Diana inside and to the living room. Diana motioned to the couch. "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?" Both officers shook their heads. Their looks were sad, and in that moment Diana knew something was wrong. "Why are you here anyway?"
     "Diana," Officer Novak began. "I'm so sorry. There's been an accident with your mother."