Change Lasts Forever

The sunlight was shining brightly through the bay windows, reflecting delicately off of the newly shined wooden mahogany floor that almost seemed to float in the silent house on the beach.

The sunlight tickling her eyes, Mariah woke up and headed downstairs. Looking around, silence filling her presence, she noticed that the sunlight had disappeared. Disregarding the sunlight’s mysterious disappearance, Mariah went about her business of her daily morning chores and getting ready for another beautiful August day.

By about 2:00pm, the waves on the beach were getting dangerous, crashing against the rocks without a care. The sunlight was nowhere to be seen, the sky was now gray, turning black rapidly. The rain began pouring down on the little house, slapping the two large bay windows as if they were a baby’s bottom, fresh out of the womb.

Lightning began crashing, lighting up the sky, and quickly struck fear into Mariah like a jolt. The phone rang. Alone, she wondered who it could be. The voice was unfamiliar, yet Mariah listened anyway.

“Mariah, it’s your grandma Josie’s caretaker.” Her heart was pounding. “Your grandma had a heart-attack and died. Is your mother home?” From that moment on, Mariah knew her life had changed forever. Before she could even respond, the front door flew open, and a tall, long-haired woman walked in, her trench coat and suitcase soaked from the rain.

“Who’s on the phone?” she asked calmly. Mariah couldn’t speak. She put the phone on the table and sat down.

Hours later, after the storm had ceased, Mariah strolled along the beach slowly, her spirits crushed. Next to her was her mother, sighing and wiping away tears.

Looking to the sky, the clouds blended together to form a beautiful pink and mauve twilight. “I can’t believe she’s gone…” sniffled Mariah’s mother, uncertain of what to do.

“Hey, mom?” We’re going to be okay.” She smiled, and pointed to a shooting star that lit up the teary eyed sky.