The Hammock

Chapter 3

As I got dressed, I heard Mom finish the dishes and walk into her room. Then I heard what sounded like her crying really softly. I wondered why she was crying. I went down the stairs to see her emerge from her room, tears staining her face. I tried to talk to her, but she walked right past me. I stamped my foot on the ground to get her attention.

She whirled around quickly with a look of bewilderment on her face. She looked around the room for the source of the noise, when she couldn't find it, a confused look crossed her face and she continued to walk back into the kitchen. I was dumbfounded. How could she not see me? I followed her into the kitchen. She was turning the burners off and setting one place on the table for herself. I tried to set my own place at the table, but the plate seemed tremendously heavy, so I just sat down facing Mom. She ate a few bites, then, out of nowhere, burst into tears. I tried to comfort her, but she again ignored me.I went out of the front door to catch some fresh air. The air and warm sun seemed to fill the empty feeling that had settled inside me. I walked back to the hammock, where I knew my mind could sort out its problems. I walked slowly and deliberately through the woods, trying to sort my thoughts so that they where somewhat organised, but it was no use. When I finally got to the hammock, I climbed in without much trouble. As soon as I set my full weight into the hammock, all my swirling tornado-like thoughts were chased away by an errie calm. My mind was at rest, everything was still. I wanted to stay in that state of calm forever. I soon realized I was being trapped in that state. I couldn't open my eyes. I managed to push my way out of that state. I was still in the hammock, but the sun was setting. I ran back to my house.

Mom was in bed, sobbing. I walked in and sat next to her. She didn't seem to notice. I sighed. Everything was dark.