Stars Falling from Above

✩ 4 ✩

The night was long, just like imagined. After cleaning up after her father's mess, that she blamed herself for, she went to her room. Laying down and sniffing while trying not to cry again. Sleep was hard to get and when she did it would only be for a couple minutes. That repeated all night. She would sleep for a couple minutes then get back up for a bit then asleep again. It got annoying but she kept trying.

The sun was starting to come up at 5 and she decided to get up. When she got to the stairs she listened to see if her father was awake. She knew her mother was at work, but her father should still be home. It's quiet, it always is even when he is home.

She goes down the steps trying to make no noise, skipping the third last so it doesn't creek. Her father's office is closed so she can't tell if he's in or not. Going by it, she hears the faint groans and taping. He must not be feeling well from last night.

She has to give it her all to forgive him. It's hard but for some reason she can. He isn't usually like this, so she knows it was just a mistake. He didn't get the job, so he wasn't very happy about that. It's Riley's fault the groceries dropped everywhere. If only she just ignored it like everyone else. What can she do now though? It's in the past and she can do better. Her father might not even remember what he did last night. She would go and get better food but has school today.

Not being very happy about that, Riley gets an apple and munches on that while doing her morning things. The sandwich from yesterday is waiting in the fridge so she takes that and puts it in her bag. Going back up to her room she cleans the books off her desk and puts them in her bag as tidy as she can get it. Making her bed now with her teeth holding onto the apple. Swinging open her closet where her uniforms are hanging. Taking one of the clothes and putting the hanger back in the bar.

Closing the closet and slipping on the clothes. This time it was easier because she got up earlier and has time. Buttoning up her dress shirt, turning to the mirror to straighten her collar.

Her hand is put on her mouth to cover it. Taking it back off, falling to her side. showing a smile with no teeth, which fades quickly at the sight.

Ugly

She keeps her normal straight face and checks her phone that's on the table near the light and book. It's 6 now so she can start to get going. Leaving her phone there knowing she doesn't need it and throws her bag over her shoulders heading out of her house.

Before she can head out, she hears a loud bang coming from the office. She stands in front of the door still scared to go in but then hears someone whin quietly. Opening the door, she sees her father on the floor.

"Dad are you alright?" He nods, "I'm a little dizzy." He looks up at her. His face now being shown makes Riley more comfortable. This was her father. The person last night was in the past and is back to normal. Last night he was a zombie who has recovered and came back to life. He stands up and Riley helps him. "Please be careful." He smiles and pats Riley's hair. "I will don't worry." He reassures her.

When she feels as if he will be okay, she leaves. He must have forgotten last night because he didn't mention it. Or maybe he does remember, he's just trying to avoid it. Riley would prefer that anyways. Talking about it would just bring back the memories. An apology would be nice, but she knew that he was acting different and that wasn't him. She knows that he would feel bad about it. At least her father is okay. He is at home working his hardest. She knows that for sure. Riley just has to get through this day and maybe then she can figure out ways to help her father.

Walking down the road some people seem to stare at her, possibly recognizing her from yesterday. Ignoring it, swiftly going by everyone without touching them. Her school isn't that far, and she could have taken her favourite path, but it was too late when she remembered it. Nothing bad happened so she didn't care much. Everyone was running to work or yelling at their stars as usual.