Poem

She comes downstairs with a smile dancing on her lips.

She is happier these days, more likely to laugh than yell.

His black car speeds around the curve of the driveway trailing gravel dust in its path.

Her smile grows wider.

She kisses him hello. He holds her hand.

 They say goodbye to my mom and tease my sister.

He climbs back into the car, only letting go of her hand for just a minute before touching again.

Always  touching.

The call comes later that night.

I tell myself it isn't true and pretend life's was normal.

Quietly coloring a picture for a person who isn't there, I deny what I know.

He's gone.

She looks at me with steely eyes and a hardened expression.

A quiver in her chin was all that betrays the hurt that mars her petite body.

The quiver overtakes her.  Sobs like screaming. My mother rushes over. Hugs her, rocks her, comforts her.

Suddenly she’s a child.

Fall comes all too quickly bringing college.

My mom is busy with extra long sheets and towels. She sits, blank.

Moving day's here. Through the chaos of boxes, parents, and new freshman, a heart-shaped leaf lands in her path.

A sad smile crosses her lips.