We awaken before the morning sun
While other families lay asleep, dormant in the dark

The month of Ramadan has begun,
Strengthening will and mind

We sit, trapped between two worlds, the mundane and the dreams
My grandfather, at the head of the table, sits, praying
More dedicated than the rest

What happens next, strikes me like thunder
I am awake with both feet planted back onto terra firma
My grandfather's body slumps into his plate
Time and everything around me screech to a halt

Thoughts riot in my head,
My heart slams into my chest
My mother emerges towards him like an airbag inflating
My dad bursts into tears, his father has become as responsive as a rock

My fingers start fumbling and sweating as I dial 9-1-1
We wait frantically, as my dear grandfather lays unconscious
Red and white lights flash in front of our home
His fate rests in their hands
As they ride off under the Ramadan moon