The Last Eight Months

Cindy

I feel my feet carrying me across the floor towards the tv. My hand slowly covers my mouth as I silently reach for the remote. My brother has gone silent too. The only noise in the entire house is my baby sister's sweet coos and laughs. My father sits still in his arm chair his face expressionless. I press the volume button, turning the sound up. The t.v. Reporter speaks louder and more clearly as the Breaking News sign fly across the screen.
    "The astroid that scientists have been following for more then a decade has now changed its course of direction," He pauses. "Towards Earth."
    "What's the matter?" mom asks crossing the kitchen into the living room. Little Amy reaches her chubby hands out towards me. Mother hands her over to me and watches the T.V. Screen.
    "Life should continue to go on normally until further notice" mom looks at dad. I can see the worry in her eyes, she turns her head towards Jonathan.
    "Cindy, why don't you take your brother and sister upstairs, while your father and I talk. Jonathan looks up from his toys and pouts.
    "But I want to stay with you!"
    "Come on Jonathan," I say. "Let's go put Amy in her funniest romper." His eyes light up as he grabs his truck and runs past me and up the stairs to the nursery. Amy sits happily in my arms chewing on her pacifier. As I climb the stairs I can hear mother and father talking.
    "We should invite the family over," Mom says.
    "Where would they stay?" my father questions.
    "I don't know," Mom's voice is soft and gentle. I finish the climb up the stairs to the nursery, and I try to ignore the fact that my life will be ending in eight months.