4. Alone

My grandmother and uncle stayed for about 9 days, which was longer than they planned. They assured my dad that it would be fine if they stayed longer, but my dad insisted that they go back. He didn't want it to seem like we needed the extra help even though it was clear that we did. I was up in my room when I heard them say their goodbyes. My grandmother said to call if we needed anything, which my dad agreed too. I heard footsteps walk up the stairs and a knock on my door.

"Who is it," I said as I looked up from the book I was reading. The door swung open and I saw my grandmother and uncle standing in the doorway.

"It's nana and Uncle Joey, we came to say goodbye now. Our flight leaves early tomorrow morning and we didn't want to wake you then. Can we come in?"

"Sure," I said as I put my book down and stood up. I didn't really want to say goodbye because I knew they would say something about my mother and I was tired of crying. I just wanted to be left alone.

"Oh honey," my grandmother said as she walked over to me and put her arms around me. She was crying again. "Your mother has been proud of you ever since the day you were born. She will always be proud of you. I just wish she could be here to see you grow up." How could my mother be proud of me? I was the one who ruined her life to begin with, and now I got her

killed. I felt a hard lump in my throat as I fought back the tears. My grandmother gave me one more hug and kiss, then she left the room because she didn't want me to see her cry.

My Uncle Joey came up to me and said "Hey kiddo." He gave me a big hug.

"You know your mother always loved hearing you play your guitar. Don't ever stop. It's always helped me get through tough times and help with any pain, physical or emotional."

"I will," I said, even though I knew I wouldn't.

"See you at Thanksgiving," he said with one last hug and kiss and then left the room.

The next morning I woke up and went downstairs and looked around. I was expecting to see my grandmother, Uncle Joey, or my dad, but no one was there. Then I remembered I was alone. Nana and Uncle Joey had left and dad was at work. I walked back up the stairs and crawled back into bed for the day.