When I Awakened

"Life Memory" #3

   I have just been released from the hospital, and I'm super excited to be home. My sister is sitting down on the couch reading her favorite book--Romeo and Juliet. Something about Shakespeare amuses her. Perhaps it's the romance part. 

   "Ok, time for dinner, guys!" my mother shouts cheerfully.

   I look over to see my dad and mom at the table. My father looked at my mother with a smile and seemed to be happier than me. He didn't deserve to look at her like that. I thought I forgave him, but I guess I didn't. I get up and slide my feet across the floor to sit next to my mom. 

   "Spaghetti!" my sister screams. 

   I smile and think of my brother.

   "Austin's favorite," I add. 

   My mother looks over to me and grins. She serves me my plate of spaghetti, and I swirl the noodles in my fork. 

   "And again. I apologize for leaving you guys," my father tells us, clearly trying to get through to me.

   I roll my eyes and look down at my plate. I take a bite without saying a word. The table grows silent besides the clanging of forks against bowls. I look up and everyone is focused on their meal. 

   "How was school?" I ask my sister.

   "It was good," she pauses, "as good as school can get." 

   I laugh and take another bite of my spaghetti. 

   "Yeah, I get that. When I was in school, I would get really upset after each class," my father contributes.

   The table grows silent once more. 

   I wish my father would stop trying so hard. He is lucky he even gets to sit at this table with us. My mom clears her throat, trying to break the silence.

   "So, your father has a surprise for all of you."

   "Is it that he's leaving again?" I sass.

   My mom rolls her eyes, and I take another bite of my food.

   "He left because he wanted to protect you from the intentions of the military!" my mother shouts.

   We all look up at her in disbelief. 

   "What does the military want with us?" I question mockingly. 

   My mother stays silent for a minute, and I look between my mom and my dad. 

   "They want you to stay asleep forever," my dad explains. 

   I freeze in my chair, spaghetti dripping from my fork. 

   "No. Way," I reply, shaking.