Tears in the Stars

A Sour Surprise

"Dorothy," I call, knowing she wouldn't answer. I look around. The door's glowing. I guess that's how the news'll get broken this time. "No." I say. "No." I stand in front of the door as the first three knocks come. Like the first shots of a war. Now I see Dorothy. Coming into the room. I try so desperately to stop her, but she can't hear me. She opens the door, right through me. "Oh Derick, come in!" She ushers him in, her voice smooth and sweet like honey. Derick is drenched from the rain. I guess he's the bearer of bad news for everyone. He's always been so strong. "Oh you're drenched!" Dorothy coos. "Let me get you a towel!" She rushed off as Derick shivers. His eyes are red and puffy. I set my hand on his coat. Wet. "Derick," I whisper sympathetically. "Give yourself a break." I shake my head. Dorothy rushed back into the room with a soft and fluffy looking towel. I run my hand over it as she walks by. Soft. She stops. "Cold breeze!" She mumbles, handing Derick the towel.

"Dry off and sit on the couch," Dorothy commands. "I'll make some tea. You don't look so well." Derick dries and sits down, holding his head in his hands. I sit beside him, setting my hand on his leg. I lean forward and watch his face. The fan buzzes, the rain outside roars on the roof, and Dorothy clanks in the kitchen. Derick is dead silent. Here comes Dorothy. It's been a few minutes. "Well," she smiles. Her smile fades as she analyzes his face. "Whats the matter, Dear?" She asks. Derick takes a deep breath. "It's about Sandy." Dorothy lights up. "Oh yes! Sandy! I need you to bring her the birthday present I got her! It's a pot of dirty with a few different flowers planted. When she waters it and sets it in the windowsill, it'll bloom!" She stood and grabbed a wrapped present from the corner. It was pink with a purple ribbon wrapped around it. I stand in front of her and smile. "Thank you Dorothy. Not just for the present; for everything. Thank you so much. You have been like a grandma to me. I know you never had any kids, but you'll always have a granddaughter. I love you."

Derick stares at her. "Thats' the thing." he folds his hands. "I have some," he gulps. "some really bad news, ma'am." Dorothy's face grows worried, and she sits in her recliner, taking a worried sip of tea. "Well, is Sandra alright?" Derick buries his head in his hands and shakes his head. "She. She, uh...passed about an hour and a half ago. I came here right after I calmed down." He walks over to her. "I'm so sorry." He rests his hand on hers, and I rest mine on his. "I hate to leave like this, but I've got to tell-" she cuts him off. "Yes, yes. I understand. Thank you Derick. You're a good young man. I know this is hard, but we'll get through this." She squeezes his hand tighter. He manages a smile, pulls up his hood, and runs out into the rain. "Dorothy." I say. But Dorothy can't hear me like my sister.

I put my hand on her shoulder and she shudders from the cold breeze she feels as tears run down her face. "Goodbye, Grandma." I smile and a tear runs down my cheek. The wind picks up, stronger this time, and again I'm whisked away to some other scene. I pay close attention to the people walking around me as the rest of the world flies by. It doesn't take me long to realize that they're all dead.