rosy cheeks // joshler + tysh // ddlb

tyler's prolouge

"i miss you, momma." tyler whispers to the headstone.

he holds a handmade bouquet in his right hand along with a store-bought one in his left.

"we all miss her, kiddo."

tyler's dad pats his son on the shoulder, the three other siblings standing behind him.

"why'd this have to happen?" tyler sighs sadly, his breathing unsteady and his hands shaking.

"i don't know, kiddo... i just don't know."

soon enough, the joseph family is kneeling around the headstone of their deceased family member. tears were shed uncontrollably. after what seemed like forever, their father stands up.

"now i know that none of us are in the mood to eat, and we probably won't be for a long time... but let's go out to eat. something quick... like mcdonald's?"

one by one the four children nod, standing up to get into the car.

"why don't you drive, champ. you just got your license a little over two weeks ago." the father says, patting tyler on the shoulder again.

"okay." tyler nods as he starts to get into the drivers seat. "got it the day before mom passed."

~

the now family of five goes to sit down with their food. the family felt like there was a cloud hovering over them. a dark, stormy cloud that was unwilling to leave them be.

"you're all staying so strong. i'm so very proud of each and every one of you. i don't know how i'm not breaking down right here. my goodness. i love you all."

the four children smile weakly at their father, each of them thanking him mentally. they all say 'i love you too' back before going back to their diners.

in silence, everyone racks up the strength to finish their own meals.

"okay, let's go home and get some rest. tyler, you're driving again." chris says, his voice breaking ever so slightly.

getting up, everyone throws away their trash and leaves the building.

the ride home was silent, like usual for the past two weeks. you could feel the sorrow radiating off of everyone.

as they get home, one by one, they start to cry. tyler parks the car and everyone gets out, however, tyler stays behind in the car.

the brunet places both hands on the steering wheel and takes a shaky deep breath in. when he exhales he lets out a sob, laying his head on it as well.

"i miss you so much momma... we want you back."

tyler continues to sob in the car for another half an hour before composing himself and walking inside the house.