Facing, FIghting, FInding ..........Me.

Back to REAL Life

I  was jolted out of my remembering moment when my mom threw open my door with a huff, "How was your summer? I've missed you very much?"

I swallowed my annoyance as best I could, because I know that her words were sincere even if her normal everyday actions did not seem to portray the same caring. "Sorry mom, I just wanted to look back over the workbook they gave us. See everyone from my group signed it and I was just reading their messages", i said as i held up the workbook to show her the back pages while simultaneously sliding Jason's picture under my pillow. I wasn't ready to share my secret with her just yet

"Well seems like you had fun. Supper is almost ready and I cant wait to hear all about it."

With that she closed my door and I was again alone with my thoughts and memories. I stole another quick glance at my safari boys picture, then returned it under my pillow and got up to return to 'normal' life with my family at supper.

"Oh! you're back??" My sister's voice was dripping with sarcastic enthusiasm. "So did they convert you into a bible thumper?"

I could only roll my eyes as i replied, "NO. But it was a lot of fun!"

Her interest ended there.

Supper was full of questions from my mom and little to no interest was shown from my dad or my sister with the exception of the occasional head nod.

After supper I sped back to my room. Quickly checked to make sure the photograph was still there, and unavoidable smile breaking my face open when it was still there. Then I grabbed my pajamas and went to the bath. Once all cleaned up and the funk from the bus ride was all washed away, I told my mom that i was tired and wanted to go to bed early tonight because it had been a long day.

As i climbed into my bed i retrieved Jason's smiling face and just lay there staring at him and my heart began to ache. My heart was becoming aware of the distance finally and the fact that we had no idea how long it would be until we got to see him again.

That night i dreamt only the best dreams.