You were always there for me; when I needed advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to talk to.

I remember you bandaging me up as a child, telling me to be more careful while playing outside. Then, you'd smile at me as I hugged you.

People always say they regret not enjoying their childhood to the fullest. I'm pretty happy with how mine turned out. You being there made it just perfect, the happiest childhood I could ask for, up until a certain point that is.

It got worse after He came back, didn't it? We always thought He was gone, but I guess him coming back kind of woke me up. It took me by the shoulders and said, "This is reality, face it kid."

Yeah, Dad coming back didn't help at all. It was sunny that day wasn't it? We were sitting down for lunch, and the doorbell rang. As a ten year old, I didn't understand what happened, but I remember you screamed. That had startled me, but what scared me the most was when you suddenly stopped. It was quiet, until I heard the front door shut and footsteps on the porch. I was curious so I looked around the corner to peer out the window. I saw him turn around, He locked eyes with me and smiled. It wasn't a nice smile. After that, he just turned and left. I wanted to make sure he was actually leaving, so I stepped closer to the window.

It was then that I saw you, sitting there, just looking at me. Your eyes were dull, no longer filled with life and love. Your neck was bent in a strange direction. At that time, I understood that you wouldn't be coming back, there was too much of your blood on the ground.

In that moment, I think my brain had decided something, and I wasn't invited to the meeting. The rest of that day was one big blur. I never did figure out what really happened. I just knew that after the blur was gone, He would never be coming back. It was pathetic that I couldn't protect you.

I just wanted you to know that I miss you, and I love you. Thanks Mom.

                                                                                                        Love,

                                                                                                       Your Only Sunshine

The boy then set the note by the small stone marker. He turned to look out over the empty city. He took a few steps forward and whispered two, heartfelt words before letting himself fall, "I'm sorry." Was all he said as he stared up into the quickly receding sky.

"I'm sorry." He whispered those words once again, the last ones to be spoken in this desolate city.