An End to the Screams

She heard a door slam.1

And then more screams.2

Screams to each other.3

She cried...4

She woke up to the beautiful day and was really excited about the Greek festival her fifth grade class was having that day. She had the best costume and was paired up with her closest friend for their project. She lay in bed thinking of the coming events of the day and, dealing with her excitement, got out of bed. She heard banging pots and pans as her mom was making her usual gourmet breakfast for the family. She curled her toes around the carpet as she took each step to her parent's room. Her dad was awake, yet still lying in bed, so she climbed in the bed with him and started talking to him.5

"I have my Greek festival today at school," she said.6

"Cool, what time is it at?" he replied.7

"Right before school ends, at around 2:00. Can ya come?"8

"Sure, I'll be there."9

She hugged her dad tight as she thought of how much she loved him. She walked back down the hall and past the kitchen to her room.10

"Good morning, darling!" her mom said.11

"Good morning. Pancakes for breakfast?"12

"Just for you! Don't forget you have Dance Team today after school!"13

"OK, mom." She smiled as she remembered she had her favorite dance class that night. She had just made the Dance Team at her studio recently and was very excited.14

She dressed for the day, ate a delicious breakfast, and sat through school very impatiently awaiting the big event. When it came time for everyone to get dressed in their costumes, a lady walked into the classroom.15

"Hey that's Mrs. Stevens," she thought. "What is she doing here?" She watched her mom's good friend walk over to her teacher, Mrs. Pierce, and start whispering. Mrs. Stevens motioned for her to come with her. She walked out the door with Mrs. Stevens wondering what was going on.16

When they were in the car, Mrs. Stevens finally said, "Your mom had me pick you up today, because she's not able to. You're going to come to our house for a couple of hours." She winced as she thought of Mrs. Stevens annoying kids.17

"But what about my Greek festival?"18

"I'm pretty sure you're going to miss it, honey."19

"And what about my Dance Team practice?!"20

"A lot of things haven't been fully figured out yet, darling. I'm sure it'll all work out."21

She almost cried as she was watching the movie Mrs. Stevens put on for her and the kids, wondering what her dad would think when she wasn't there for the festival.22

Finally, at about 7:45 p.m., her mom showed up at the door to pick her up. They got in the car.23

"I have something to show you," her mom said when they were almost home.24

"OK," was all she could mumble, still not able to comprehend that that day she had missed an event she had been looking forward to for weeks and her favorite dance class of the year.25

She entered the house to see...nothing. She went to her room only to discover...nothing.26

"Your father and I have decided to separate for awhile," her mom said in almost a whisper. "All of your stuff is in a new apartment for us downtown..."27

An empty father's house.28

A devastating life.29

An end to the screams.30

She cried...31