#9- SCENE

I entered the house behind my dad with my chin glued to my chest, avoiding eye contact at all cost. I frantically wiped my eyes, so that nobody would notice my overwhelming emotion. In my peripheral vision, I saw both of my sisters, sitting at my mother's side, looking completely pale. I didn't dare turn my head to look at them. I was determined to make it to my bedroom without having to answer any questions.

"What's wrong with him?" I heard Lindsey ask my dad as I stormed by. 

"Is he okay?" My mom's voice cracked as she squeaked out her simple question in a worried tone.

"Don't worry, he'll explain later." My dad's was the last voice I heard as I shut my bedroom door, and sprawled out on my bed.

"Do you want any company?" I was happy to see my dad. 

"Sure," I responded as I swallowed the lump in my throat and gathered my emotions.

He sat down next to my bed. I kept expecting him to say something--surely he would yell at me or punish me. It was only a matter of time. Minutes passed, and still, nothing. I flipped over and gazed at the wall, too embarrassed to say anything.

I heard the door open and close again, and after waiting a few seconds I flipped back over, thinking that my dad had left. Instead, I turned and saw my parents and my sisters kneeling down, staring right back at me.

Embarrassed, and caught by surprise, I flipped back toward the comfort of the wall instantly.

"Will, we're not going anywhere." I couldn't help but cry as I heard my mother's soothing voice. 

"Time for family prayer," said my dad, acting as though nothing had happened.

As I knelt down alongside my parents, there was a palpable feeling of love and concern. What my mom had claimed was true: they weren't going anywhere.