We walk up the stairs
together, you are fat with hope. As you open the door my heart
constricts.
There they sit in the
darkened room like vipers in their den.
Nodding at their contrived greeting is
all I can manage. I step into the cramped, filthy bathroom, closing
the door, leaning into it I breathe. Long, ragged breaths as I
anticipate leaving you here...alone.
My entire being weeps for
you, yet it is your life to sort out not mine.
I can no longer make
everything ok.
I step out into the
darkened room, the constant buzz of the traffic on the freeway just
outside the window lends to my sense of unease. We hug, touching your
head I look into your eyes. Your strength is reflected back at me. As
I close the door leaving you behind I waver a moment at the top of
the stairs, a tear rolls down my cheek....then I go.
