He's Gone...

as the clock struck the hours of midnight, she slept in peaceful slumber.  she never knew about the things that were going on, some 200 miles away.  she soon would.

12:13am, oct. 26, 2004.  the phone rings, and her grandmother tells her that her mother is on the line for her.  in a mad dash, she races for the phone, fearing the worse.  her fears are affirmed.  through a cracking, tear-filled voice, her mother tells hers "daddy's gone, baby.  he's gone."  still in shock, the girl hangs up the phone and takes a shower, texts her friends, and attempts to call a beloved teacher.  two friends respond, teacher sleeps on-a message was left.  finally, her slumber is once again entered at roughly 4am.  she is awakened again at 6:37am by her grandmother saying "i'm so sorry, sweetie." to her mother.  the girl packs her things, and mother and daughter head for home.  upon arrival and bringing in the things, a friend stops to check on them.  more text messages arrive to the girl's phone.  her brother won't be home 'til later.  he felt led to attend his classes for the day and inform his professors of his up-coming absence.  and now the girl sits in silence as her mother sleeps.  wondering what she's to do when the one who always holds her when she's upset isn't here anymore.

why do i live what i write?