Bereaved

Prologue

"Dead"
The word seeped out of my mother's mouth and into my ears. It felt like everything was in slow motion. Once the news registered in my brain I broke down and screamed. I fell to my knees, uncontrollably wailing. I had my hands in my hair practically ripping it out. My anger sent a chair flying through the air.
Reality came into focus and I was standing there expressionless, motionless, unable to react. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and I heard it drip onto the floor.
Finally my mouth and brain caught up "Sh-she's really gone?" My mother could hardly understand my quiet raspy mumble. I gave her a blank stare and I could feel my breathing get heavier. I felt like I was drowning, trying to reach the surface before it was too late. It felt as if the waves crashed over me harder each time I tried to come up for air. I could see everything around me collapse. Everything was spinning and closing in at the same time. I felt my mothers warm arms wrap around me as we sat on the floor. She held me close to calm me down. I listened to her soothing heartbeat. Once I was finally able to ease my breathing, I cried myself to sleep in her arms.