It started with a whisper

Don't Go

It had to be at least midnight, when the door to the room I shared with my little sister opened. I saw a dark figure coming my way. I couldn't clearly see because there was no light. When the figure got closer to me, I realized it was just my mom.

" Mom? " I called out. I heard sniffling before she sat on the edge of my bed. I got up and went closer to her. She hugged me really tightly, still sniffling.

" Mom, why are you crying? Is everything okay? " I asked my mom. I felt her nod against my neck. She finally took out her head and faced me. Mom held my hand in hers before she finally spoke.

" Mia, mommy has something really important to tell you. But always, always remember, I love you and Mason and Lori. Okay? " She assured me. I nodded my head, still looking confused.

I wonder what mommy has to tell me? I wondered to myself. Mom exhaled a deep breath.

" Mia, mommy has to leave." She told me. I furrowed my eyes not knowing what she's talking about. I mean I am 6. Don't expect me know everything. Yet.

I nodded my head and answered. " Mommy, if you're going to work then you can. You don't have to- " I was cut off by my mom speaking.

She shook her head, more tears threatening to spill from her eyes. " No, mommy isn' going to work honey. I mean, mommy has to go somewhere and I won't be coming home for a while. " I stared at her for a while. I still don't understand. What is she saying? Again, I'm still 6.

" Mia, she's saying that she's going to leave us. " I heard a voice say. I looked over to my door that is wide open to see my brother standing there, tears running on his face. I got up from my bed and stood up.

"No! That's not true. Mason stop lying! " I exclaimed. He glared at me while walking in front of me.

" Mia, don't you see. Mom doesn't want us anymore. That's why she's leaving. If she loved us, she wouldn't leave! " He exclaimed. Right at that moment, my dad came to where we were. He looked from me to mom to Mason. He sighed loudly.

I looked at my dad and asked him, " Dad, mom loves us right? " He got on his knees to be the same height as me before telling something I know I won't like.

" Princess, mommy loves you very much. Her and I just have some problems that's why she has to leave. " He answered me. He looked at mom when he said the last part. Mom was crying even harder. With all the chaos, I'm surprised Lori hasn't woken up yet.

+++

I cried even more while I watched my mom make her way to the front door. She stopped in her tracks for a while and looked back at us. When her eyes met mine, she dropped her bag and I instantly ran towards her, meeting her half way. We held each other tightly, not letting go anytime soon. But we both knew we had to somehow.

" Mom please don't go. " I pleaded.

Mom held my face with both her hands and looked me in the eye. "Mia, remember this, I will always love you okay? I'll come back for you okay ? I'll come back for you, Mason, and Lori. " She promised.

" Pinky promise? " I held out my pinky. My mom was a bit hesitant, but she locked her pinky with mine, with the words that I know will linger forever.

"I promise Mia, I promise. "