I see light pouring in through the blinds and I can smell my childhood home.

I’m 15 years old again. My parents are laughing in the kitchen. My sister is waiting for me in the living room.

Everyone is home. Everyone is safe. Everyone is well.

There’s no end in sight. My skin is glowing from that sunlight creeping in. Im luminescent.

But, I’m far from 15. The house sold years ago- some elderly couple live there. I hear they ripped up the floors and tore down the wallpaper in the kitchen that my mom picked out. I hope they listen for the birds in the morning.

My dad lives above the clouds now. My skin stings from the salt in my tears.

This morning light trickled through the blinds and I was filled with grief. -AMT©️