Safe

Hear nothing, See nothing, Be nothing...

'Dead'

A term that as a little kid, I was to familiar with. But never truly understood what it meant. It was what my brother said whenever I told him our grandmother was taken to heaven to be with god.

It was what my uncle said whenever the dog was bitten by a snake.

It was what Aunt Lydia would say every year when her flowers were colorless.... lifeless.

As a child, That word was one I couldnt forget. My friends and I at the age of 8 would ask each other how we thought we were going to die, and when. I did truly fear the day I would die. Once I did, just like everyone else, I would hear nothing, see nothing.. be nothing.

That was the case for my best friend Bethanys brother. He died on his way home from his friends when he was only 16.

'Michael Jameson, Killed instantly in a car accident...'

I remember the day of his funeral.

I sat with Bethany hugging her tightly, trying to comfort her. She told me she feared she would end up like him. I asked her what she meant and she said she was afraid to die in such a horrible way at such a young age.

"Only 16... He was only 16 and Will now hear nothing... see nothing... be nothing..."

She continued to cry and I tryed to process her words. She was right. At any time Our lives could be taken. I feared just like she did that I would die at a young age.

At the time, I just tried to shake it off, saying I would live to be a old lady. But little did I know I would end up like Michael. That I would be killed tragically.

That I would hear nothing... see nothing...

Be nothing....

"Madeleine?  Are you coming?"

I look up at my brother who is dressed In all black. I am as well. I make my way to him and look at the ground which has Three rocks on it.

"What do they say"

" In memory of Madeleine Carmichael, In memory of James Ellington, and in memory of Emilia Ellington."

I look up to see something that catches my eye. It is a dark figure in the distance.

" Look danny look! do you see it ?"

I say pulling on my brothers arm, pointing at the dark figure.

"I dont see anything."  He removes my hand and walks away.

I look back but the figure is gone.

Then there is a hand on my shoulder and a voice whispering in my ear.

" I am with god now my love, it was my time to be with him. Please don't worry, please dont cry. Im gone for a reason. It makes you safe. I love you baby girl."

I turn around and see nothing. Just more rocks. I turn back around and  there it is, the dark figure, its right in front of me. All I can make out are red eyes. But for some reason, I am not afraid.

" Goodbye Madeleine.  I will see you soon. at the end of your 16th year."

And like that it was gone.

"Are you coming maddie?" I turn to see my uncle gesturing me towards the car.

"Come on sweet heart its time to go."

Who was that man? And why did he have red eyes?

" Do you think she's awake?"

" I dont know, but dont bother her."