“So sorry, he’s gone.”
“Do you need a drink of water?”
Questions surround us, and Mom grips to me like a broken raft in a storm. I feel about as useful as that raft too.
Someone covers Dad with a blanket, and it feels so strange; too strange.
I wonder if he can breathe, then my chest tightens, the weight of reality crushing me.
He’s dead.
The room empties silently around us, and Mom lifts her head to mine, her eyes swollen with tears.
I hope she doesn’t speak because I’m not able to answer her.
I’m not able to answer anyone.
Mom's lower lip trembles, and she lets out a gut-wrenching sob.
I can hear her heart breaking, and there’s nothing I can do.
I want to tell her that it’s okay, but words won’t form in my mouth.
Where’s Dad when you need him?
He’d know what to do here.
A lump forms in my throat.
You’re the man, son.I hear his voice echoing through my mind like a ghostly breeze.Look after your mom for me.
I’m fucking hallucinating now. Hearing voices.
Someone stops beside me, crouching to their knees.
“Blake.”
The voice is so soft and serene, coaxing me to look at its owner.
Danielle.
“Breathe.”
Her eyes scan mine, and her face saddens.
“I’m so sorry.”
Yeah.Me and you both.
Danielle hovers for a moment, her hand patting my back as she bites her lip.
“I’ll look after him, babe,” Issac says with his hand on her back. “You go. I’ll call you.”
This is wrong.
Danielle shoots me one last sad look before rising to her feet, turning to whisper to Issac.
Issac nods, dropping to his knees beside me.
