THE BEGINNING
It was nighttime, and the moon shone ever so brightly in its full glory. We were having dinner after watching a football match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, with Mom supporting the Seattle Seahawks. Dad was watching for the fun of it, and so were Debby and I. Mom prepared a chicken burrito bowl with rice and beans that had us licking our fingers. Daddy was excited. Everyone could see how much he loved Mom. It made me want to grow up and get married. Yes, silly me.
Dad: Thanks for the food, hon.
Mom: "It's a pleasure," she replied. "Girls, time to clear the dishes.
Debbie and I: Yes, Mom, we chorused.
My sister and I started the dishes, then the unfortunate happened.
We heard gunshots. Dad had a gun in his office, which Mom knew of. We were trained, but not trained enough. Their main priority was to keep us safe. I didn't quite understand what was going on, nor did Debby.
Dad: Get to the basement!
His voice was loud and frantic. I could hear the shakiness in it. That was when reality dawned on me. I had never seen Dad so scared, angry, and frustrated. I could swear I saw tears in his eyes.
What's going on? I wondered. At that moment, I wanted to stay with Dad. I wanted to fight with him even though I had no idea why we were fighting or who we were fighting.
My heart was broken.
Mom got her gun from a drawer in the hall and led us to the basement. I saw the tears she tried so hard to fight back. Debby, on the other hand, couldn't keep it in. The whole house was in chaos. How could such a beautiful day turn this awful? Dad was left alone to fight.
I couldn't stand it. The sounds of the gunshots weren't helping. I run out of the basement only to be welcomed by the sound of a blast.
Time stood still as I saw Dad slowly fall to the ground, his clothes tattered and torn, with blood all over.
Flashbacks of his smile, the proud look in his eyes when I started skating. The look in his eyes when he patted my head after I won the spelling bee.
I ran toward him and held him in my arms. Our eyes met as he smiled at me with blood dripping from his mouth.
Dad: I'm sorry.
He mattered, as he tried to cup my face. Then his hand dropped. I was numb. I couldn't move.
I felt my emotions leave me. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Dad was gone.