" too young to understand "

You were merely 7 years old, not really knowing what was going on around you. Everyone was dressed in black, surrounding a coffin with your sleeping mother inside.

"Appa, why is mommy still sleeping?" You quietly tugged on your father's black suit.

Your father's lips pulled into a small smile but his eyes were empty - lifeless. You innocently blinked up to him and he scooped down to carry you in his arms. Everyone kept silent as they watched the coffin slowly disappear under the soil. The small crowd started to disperse as one by one left. You watched as people gave your father a pat on the back and said their goodbyes. Your father gave one last look at your mother's grave and then walked away. He carried you back to his car and settled you down in your seat at the back. He buckled you safely under the seat belt and you looked at him - not understanding why he wasn't smiling like he usually does. The ride back home was dull and boring. No more singing, no more laughing, no happiness. You noticed a tear ran down your father's cheek before he quickly wiped it off. It was as though time had stopped and all hope were lost. 

The car drove into the drive way, the house felt different. You were carefully taken out of your seat and into your father's arms again. You laid your head on his shoulder while he quietly brought you up to your bedroom. It had barely passed 7pm but your father was too tired to do anything. You saw it in his expression. He urged you to change into your pajamas and told you to brushs your teeth. Then, he laid down with you in your too-big-for-your-age bed and tucked you under the blanket. You smiled as you snuggled in between your stuffed animals. When you were comfortable, you beamed and your eyes sparkled against the dull atmosphere. Your father couldn't help but smile at you, his only family lef