Family Secrets
On good days, Mom sings as she cooks luxurious breakfasts. We run downstairs to kisses and hugs and a warm kitchen.
Today, the house is quiet and cold, filled with a grey fog that’s almost visible.
I slip into her bedroom to check on her.
“Beth,” she sobs. ” I’m lost – drowning in my own dark ocean.”
I hold Mom tight and rock her, then go downstairs to pour cold cereal into her hand-painted bowls.
“Bobby, Sookie, come eat.”
“I’ll stay home today. You two go on to school, but don’t tell anyone our troubles.”
“Mom, please come back,” I whisper.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSo sad to waver uncontrollably between happiness and depression. Well done, Fuji.
A tale that is true for so many families. You have to wonder what has happened to the father in this situation, is it grief that plunges the mother into periods of depression. So hard on the children, especially the older one who understands the situation and tries to keep the family together. Very well done.
Such a great tale that some families are experiencing. So sad to imagine. Well done, Fuji.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSadly, for a variety of reasons, it is not rare that the eldest child has to assume parental responsibility. Your story expresses so well the toll it takes on a family, Fuji.
You let us in to the secret of this little family in a masterful way, Fuji. It’s easy to visualize the situation and to feel both Beth’s and her mother’s sadness and worry. The contrast to the good days stresses the reality of it. Still, you leave it to the reader to imagine details and circumstances. Great writing!