Complications

And my heart stopped

I retreated to the couch after putting all 4 kids in bed.

Caleb was due home from work in an hour, leaving me alone in a huge house.

I drifted to sleep, awoken by flashing red and blue lights.

I heard a rough knock on the door,

My heart started beating out of my chest.

I took a breath and opened the door.

"Mam, does Mr Caleb Rivers live here?"

"Yes, he's my husband, what happened?"

"He was in an accident, the hospital needs you quickly, he apparently doesn't have much time left."

And my heart just stopped, My chest heaved as they guided me into his room.

I saw him, laid there, lifeless, the only noise being the ventilator breathing for him everything else was silent.

The doctor twisted the blinds shut and started unhooking the machines slowly from his body.

"No, wait, I need to say goodbye!"

"Caleb, Caleb?"

"I love you, I want you to know that, I'll look after the kids, They'll all miss you you know? Especially peanut and Rae Rae.

I looked at the nurse, my face emotionless
"You can do it now."

She unhooked the machine and pushed the button to end it all.

He let out one last breath and his body laid limp, his dark hair still immaculate but his tanned skin turning blue.

I left, not being able to be there any longer.

I paced round the waiting room, trying to figure out how I'd tell my kids their dad was dead.

"Mommy?"

"Ail,"

"Momma, where's daddy?"

I sat her down on my lap, trying not to cry in front of her.

"Ail, daddy is gone!"

She looked at me questioningly
"Where to?"

"He's gone to heaven with Grandma!"

"Why?"

"He wanted to make sure grandma was ok, he told me to tell you that he loved you and to look after your brother and sisters, ok?"

"I guess so mommy,"
She said before falling asleep in my arms and I just sobbed endlessly thinking I could never feel like a human again.