Closed Eyes

She closed her eyes.

The tears stuck them tightly shut, but she didn't let herself get irritated. She had to recall this moment as best she could. She wanted to see every single detail, the patches on his slanted hat, the clock ticking on the wall, everything.

She began to hear his soft voice and see the tears in his eyes. He spoke, "I'm so sorry. I love you."

Then what they had both expected had happened: she had to leave. Her father had not wanted to send her away, but did he have any other choice? He had had to.

Joy had been stripped from her, replaced by bittersweet memories.