Let It Be Me

Chapter One.

"Jessica!! Time for dinner," my mom called up the stairs to me.

"Just a minute, mom!" I climb my way out from underneath the school supplies I had been sorting, careful not to mess anything up. Shopping for school supplies has always been one thing I like about starting the new year. I grab my brand new moleskin and my favorite pen on my way out the door, planning on sitting outside and writing when I'm done with dinner.

My mom and I sit in silence as we eat our dinner after any small-talk has run dry. Dinners have always been quiet since Dad's passing. He was the one to share funny anecdotes, and tell jokes. He always had an interesting topic to keep the conversation going. We'd often sit at the table for hours after we finished eating, just talking and laughing. He was such a great storyteller. But, now that he's gone, dinner is no longer something I look forward to, but rather something to endure. It's awkward trying to talk to my mom. I used to think we had a good relationship, but looking back, my dad was what bridged the gap between our differences. Besides, neither of us are ever in much of a talkative mood anymore. It's only been 2 and a half months since he died, and we have yet to learn how to cope.

After I finish eating, I thank Mom for dinner, and head for my favorite tree and sit in its shade. I open my journal and begin to write. There's a lot on my mind I've been needing to let out.