Left Behind

You Aren't Alone

They were back in Minnesota. Jessica was staying with Dorthy for the time being. It had been three days since Danny's passing. No one came to the house except for Zoe. Jessica didn't want to see anyone but her mother and Zoe. They were the only ones who could not only give her space but comfort her when she needed it. They didn't overwhelm her either. Everyone understood, but they just wanted to see her. Everything was going slow. Including the planning of his funeral. It was going to be in Minnesota, that's where he would be buried as well. Jessica didn't want to put all the planning on Danny's family. She helped, but very little. It was painful going to the funeral home and picking a coffin, flowers, and writing an obituary. Never in a million years did Jessica think she'd have to do this. She wasn't prepared for any of it.

A few days before the funeral Jessica was up in her old room, sleeping. That's what her days had consisted of. She never came out to eat or shower. Nothing, she just kept herself isolated.

Zoe and Dorthy were sitting at the kitchen table going over funeral arrangements.

"Look at then together... they were so happy." Zoe holds a picture of Jessica and Danny from high school in her hand. The picture seemed like it was just taken yesterday. Jessica and Danny were so young. The picture was so pure.

Zoe couldn't help but tear up. She had missed her son so much.

When Dorthy saw Zoe begin to cry she reached for her hand and held it tight. "He's with John..." She whispers

Zoe wipes her tears "That's what puts my mind at ease. Knowing a father and his son are together, somewhere."

Then, they hear a knock at the front door. Dorthy excuses herself and goes to open it. When she does she sees Ann standing at the door, alone.

She was shocked to see her. She had asked for everyone to not come because of Jessica, but she was there.

"Ann, what are you doing here?" Dorthy steps outside and closes the door behind her.

"I need to see Jessica. Where is she?" Ann says

"Ann, I asked for you guys not to come for a while. She strictly said she didn't want to see anyone. I'd let you in, but I don't want her more upset." Dorthy wanted to respect Jessica's wishes even though she knew that Jessica being with family would help.

"No, mom. You and I both know that being alone at a time like this isn't good. I'm her sister, just let me see her." Ann opens the door and let's herself in. She quickly runs up the stairs to Jessica's room before Dorthy could stop her.

When Ann opened Jessica's bedroom door the room was pitch black and quiet. There were tissues everywhere. Walking into her room reminded her of walking into her room when Albert had died. It wasn't a good memory to have.

"Jessie, it's me, Ann." Ann turns on the light and walks over to Jessica's bed. In her hand Ann had a milkshake and fries from McDonalds. It was something small, she knew that Jessica probably wasn't eating.

Jessica turns over and rubs her eyes. She had taken something to help her sleep. It was her first time seeing light in the last few days.

"Ann, why are you here?" She says with a groggy voice. Her eyes were red and her nose was runny.

Ann reaches for a tissue and wipes her nose. Then she smiles and hands Jessica the shake and fries.

"I know you don't want to see anyone, but you need to know that I'm going to help you get through this and I'm not leaving."

Jessica sighs and puts the milkshake and fries down.

"I'm not hungry..."

"Yes you are. Eat."