Chapter 16 The Cliff at Palisades
522 Words
Screech — the Mercedes tires scream against the asphalt.
The car stops just short of the cliff edge.
I let out a breath.
Even though death means no pain, no hunger — I know death isn't good, otherwise people wouldn't be scared when they hear the word.
And I don't want Daddy to die.
I'm afraid he won't find Mommy, and afraid that even if he does, he'll make her unhappy.
The car stops, and Daddy leans back in the seat, doesn't move.
His eyes are closed, but tears pour out.
Daddy is crying?
But why?
Does Daddy hurt too?
I gently touch his tears — and this time, I actually feel a little wetness.
I try again, but like before, can't touch anything.
I sit next to Daddy, looking at him.
Trying to find a memory of Daddy crying.
But I can only see me and Mommy crying.
Actually, Mommy didn't use to cry much either, just lately she cried a lot.
I remember one time when Mommy and Daddy were fighting.
That day Mommy took me out to buy clothes, and we saw Daddy walking out of a place with his arm around Genevieve's waist.
They didn't see me and Mommy, and they kissed before getting in the car.
When Mommy saw, her hand tightened on mine.
But I don't blame Mommy.
Because Mommy told me kisses are only for people you love.
Daddy kissed Mommy, he kissed Genevieve, but he never kissed me.
Mommy said love is precious, only for the most precious people.
Mommy's love was part for me, part for Daddy, because we were family.
But Daddy's love wasn't for me, and he gave it to someone else too.
I'm a little sad, and maybe a little not sad.
I think, Mommy's love is enough.
I mimic Mommy, squeeze her hand tight, and say: "Emma only loves you, Mommy. Don't be sad."
But maybe I said something wrong.
Mommy cried instead.
She held me, kissed my forehead: "Mommy's love only belongs to Emma too."
Then she smiled.
But this smile wasn't as pretty as before.
After we got home, Mommy and Daddy had a huge fight, Daddy left, and Mommy cried again.
But now, looking at Daddy's tears — I just want to ask him why he's crying.
Daddy cries for a long time, then stays at the cliff without leaving.
I watch a sunset and a sunrise from here.
"So pretty. If only Mommy could see it too," I whisper.
When the sun is right overhead, Daddy finally goes back.
Back to the home with Mommy in it.
Daddy stands at the front door, staring into the room, but doesn't dare go in and face it.
I don't care, hop and skip over to Mommy, tell her everything I saw today.
After I'm done talking, I look at Mommy carefully.
Mommy's body has more wounds now, and so does my own.
I sigh, but can't do anything.
I sit on the bed, feet swinging, and suddenly hear sounds downstairs.
"Edward, how long are you going to keep their bodies here?" An old, sharp voice from downstairs.
- Writer
