Out Of Breath

Starry Sky

Lynx tells me what happened to her and why she is here. So, her parents had to drop her onto her grandma because they had to do some work. It was complicated and kids weren't allowed. Lynx laughs and jokes around with Buddy. Layla stared at me. I smile at her as she looks away. Buddy barks loudly. I hush him, but he doesn't stop. 

I sigh and pat his belly. Lynx yawns and stretches. "Welp, I better get going now." I wave goodbye as she leaves. Layla smiles and gets up. "We should go in now." I follow her inside. Mom and Mrs. Candie were talking on the couch. Layla shows me to my room. I nod as she tells me about where the bathrooms, game room, bedrooms and other stuff was.

I took a shower and got dressed. Everyone was downstairs, setting the table for dinner. I wave at Mom. She waves back and told me to help along. I nod and help Layla stir the stew. I look up around the kitchen. It was cleaner than my old friends' minds. Everything was nicely clean and pearly. I examine some silverware and plates.

They look new. Super new. Better than back at home. Everything seemed more cheery here than at our place. Our place was a bit gloomy. Here, it was bright and everything appeared more shiny. I touched the walls, feeling the smooth surface. 

Some of stuff here was really nice and cool. But I don't understand why someone would put a foot stool in the middle of the floor. I had to be careful of it and not trip. Still, I tripped over it and land on my face. THUD! Layla squeals, "OMG! Are you okay?!" I look up and nod. Mom looked worried. "You need to be more careful!" I smile and get up slowly. I feel a bump on my nose. I walk to a mirror and I see my nose is red. I sigh and mom pats my head.

"Hey, it'll heal. Now let's get to eating, huh? You'll feel better after we eat." Mom smiles and I walk to my seat.

We sat around the table and ate. Mom and Mrs. Candi talk about work and tv shows. Layla eats quietly,not looking up once. I stare at my plate and sigh. Buddy hops up and down as I feed him a piece of meat. He pants happily. Layla smiles.

                         .        .         .       .

"Good night, Sweetie." Mom kisses my forehead. "You'll be starting at a new school tomorrow, okay?"

I nod silently.

She leaves and I get up. I walk to the wind, kneeling down. Looking up at the sky, I whisper a small prayer for us. And for dad, wherever he was and whatever he was doing. I stared at the starry sky. I walk back to bed and lay down. I couldn't sleep one bit. My eyes flickered open again.

Dad and Mom were happy together. But that changed suddenly. I still don't understand anything. I missed Dad. I missed his smile. I missed his voice. His laugh. His eyes.

I felt my eyes water with tears. Slowly, the tears streamed down my cheeks. I wanted to stop, but the pain continued. Mom was so distant from me now. Dad was gone. I couldn't see him anymore. I wanted my happiness back. I wanted my dad back. I wanted my Mom back. I wanted my home back.

But most of all. What I really wanted back. Something I lost a long time ago. Something I can't get back. Something I can't use. Something I can't keep. Not anymore.

What

I

needed

was

My

Voice

back

.

.

.

.