Anger, Love, and Loss

Monday, October 26th, 10:15 AM

"So, in Rome, when the war started..." Mr. Kelly says as someone knocks on the classroom door. The person opens the door and enters.

"Can I speak to the Johnson sisters please?" The guidance assistant asks.

"Sure," Mr. Kelly replies.

"You might want to bring all your stuff girls."

"Um, okay," Jessie says.

"Remember, your essay's due tomorrow," Mr. Kelly says. I pack up and follow the assistant into the hallway. He closes the door behind me.

"Are you too aware of a boy named Michael Ronen?" I feel a pit in my stomach. Oh no.

"Is he okay?" Jessie asks. Her face is white.

"Actually, he woke up." I smile uncontrollably.

"What?"

"Your father is here to drive you to the hospital."

"Wait, really?" Jessie exclaims.

"Yep."

"Then let's go!" We walk down to the Guidance Office where my dad is pacing back and forth. He signs us out and excuses us for the rest of the day, then we drive to the hospital. Mom and Josh are already in the room when we get there.

Jessie runs over to the bed. "Michael!" She yells, giving him a hug.

"Honey," Mom says. "He has a few broken ribs. You might not want to do that so soon. He's still in recovery." Jessie backs off.

"Oh, okay. I'm just so happy to see that you're alright." The smile wipes from her face. "Josh?"

"Yeah?"

"Did, did you tell him the news yet?"

"What news?" Michael asks hesitantly. Josh ignores him.

"No, I wanted to wait until everyone was here."

"Daddy, what news?" Josh kneels beside the bed.

"Honey." He grabs Michael's hand. "Honey, your mother." He sheds a tear. "Your mother passed away." Michael rips his hand out of Josh's.

"What?"

"Your mother, the crash killed her instantly."

"What?" Michael starts crying. "What about Luke?"

"Luke is fine, Luke is safe. Not a scratch." I start to cry.

"How long was I asleep?"

"A few days. Maybe four, or five."

"Today is Monday," I say, smiling.

"Do I have to go to school tomorrow?" Michael asks.

"No, of course not," Josh says, standing up. "You are going to stay here for a few more

days. Just to make sure you're okay."

"Okay."

"Let's get some rest."