I woke up early again today. The nightmares haven't stopped,
I'm still having trouble sleeping. But, since I was up I decided to take my
bike out of the garage and ride to the bakery to get some freshly baked bread.

I pass the curve in the road where it all happened.
I can hear her screams at night. It's been four months,
but when I close my eyes I can see it clear as day. It haunts me.



At the bakery and I order 3 baguettes. "Can I bring in my bike around 2?"
"No, I'm sorry. Shop's closed today." I take my baguettes and pay him.
"Keep the change," I say as I walk out the door and back to my bike.

Back on the open road I can feel the first rays of sunshine hit my face.
I stop at the railroad crossing. The 07:03 train was about to leave.

I wish I was on it. Every. Single. Day.

I had been dreading this day for weeks. But it was time, I couldn't avoid it.
I looked at my mom again hoping she would get the door. She wasn't moving.
Then I thought - Really, how hard can it be to just spend one evening with him?

With that simple mindset I got up and reluctantly opened the front door.
My father stood there in his Army uniform waiting for his "grand" welcome.



"Welcome home." That's all I could muster up upon seeing him.
"Joseph! Wow, you're all grown up. When was the last time I saw you?"

"I don't even remember..." We stared at each other for the next few moments.
The awkward silence was finally broken up as my mom entered the atrium.

"Wow, you still look stunning as usually Chloe." I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"Stop it," she said cheerfully, "Get on in here Travis. Dinner is almost ready."