Tyler's Battle

Chapter 6 - Grief

Tyler sat staring at the office carpet as Mike and the Police officer went on and on, Tyler had tuned out his voice, it just seemed like a buzz in the background. He just couldn't take it all in. They were talking about the police investigation, the funeral arrangements... It was just too much to think about.

Tyler. Tyler! Are you listening?

Huh? Yeah

As I was saying the funeral won't be for a couple of weeks,the police have to investigate your mum's death as it was unexpected. Your mum's cousin Irene is coming over from Australia so at least you will have another family member at the funeral service.

Tyler shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. He didn't know what to think or what to say.  

At last Mike stopped talking and Tyler left in a daze. He retreated to his room and fell asleep clutching the two plastic dinosaurs and thinking of his mum. Remembering the good times and the bad. He had cried until he was overwhelmed with exhaustion.

But now he had awoken to a knock at the door. It was May Li.

Hey Tyler said may Li cheerily as she came in and and sat down on the edge of the bed

How are you doing? 

Tyler shrugged.  May Li picked up a photo that had fallen on the floor

Oh this is a lovely picture she exclaimed. Tyler glanced over at the photo she was holding. It was a picture of Tyler as a little boy on a fairground ride with his mum. They were smiling and happy.

I used to love going to the fair when I was a kid. My dad used to take me and my brother every summer when the fair came to our town. The chair-o-planes were my favourite ride, I loved being so high, it felt like I was flying.

My favourite was always the Waltzer where you spin round and round really fast. Once I went on after eating loads of candyfloss, mum had said it was a bad idea to go on the ride so soon after eating but I Insisted and I end up covered in pink sick.

May Li wrinkled her nose and then laughed and for a moment so did Tyler and then suddenly it hit him, he wouldn't be going to the fair with his mum again or anywhere else with her. He felt a lump in his throat and he felt the tears start to roll down in his cheeks. May Li gave him a hug and sat I silence with him for a few minutes.

Tyler, I can't imagine what you are going through right now. But one thing I do know is that no matter what, your mum will always be with you in your heart and your memories.