I hopped off the bus
with a skip in my step.
The sun pushed its way
through the clouds
with an orange and yellow glow.
As I walked happily,
down the sidewalk
to get back to my home.

My backpack felt heavy,
but I still decided to run…
WHOOSH,
I started off.

I jumped through the door
with a smile on my face,
only to see the redness
and puffiness
that surrounded
my family’s eyes.
We sat in cold silence
while sorrow hung in the air
and infiltrated my lungs.

My mind was flooded with thoughts
of what could be wrong.
My heart sped up
as my mind whispered down to it
of all the possibilities.
It was pounding out of control.

My mom tiptoed towards me
as if she was walking on eggshells.
Each step
made my heart thump
out of my chest.

My mind was still racing with thoughts
as I stood there,
uncontrollably paralyzed,
as she struggled to choke back tears.

Finally,
my mom opened her mouth to say something that was
unimaginable,
unbelievable,
unspeakable.

“Papa passed away today,”
are the words that came out,
with sobs in between each one.
I stood in complete shock,
like my body had been hit with a wave.
Tears started pouring out my eyes
as I realized
that I would never
ever
see him again.

All the times
we laughed,
baked,
swam,
biked.

All those times.
All those moments.
Are now just
memories.