12:15 am

I think it was 12:15am.  

I heard Mom’s phone ring. 

I heard her say a few words 

and then pull the sheets back. 

I heard her feet on the floor 

and her hand on the door knob. 

 

I heard her walking to my room 

and open my door. 

I willed her not too. 

 

But she did. 

And she whispered my name. 

And I answered. 

But I did not want too. 

 

He’s gone. 

She said. 

Okay.  

I told her. 

You okay? 

She asked me. 

Yes. 

I lied.  

They want to know if we want to see him.  

She said. 

It’s not him anymore. 

I answered. 

I know. 

She said. 

 

And I heard her feet fading back to her room. 

Heard the door close. 

Heard her sit on her bed. 

 

I got up and left the house 

for the darkness of night.