the phone rang, "Good morning. Yes, this is he."
"What happened? Are you sure? One moment, please."
"Address? I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Please, not now." he started up the sedan
rushing through green lights, he stopped at her door
he looked up at the sign, 'room 204'
he wasn't prepared, still he turned the knob
he walked in and felt his breath being robbed
"She isn't in good shape, I'm glad you came."
"She was the one hit and wasn't to blame."
the words flew past him as he knelt beside
all he cared about, the love of his life
his voice cracked, barely letting out, "How long?"
"A few more minutes, she has been so strong."
"She waited for you." Her words made him sick
this isn't real, it has to be a trick
"She can hear you, she is just very weak,"
"If you want to talk, then feel free to speak."
words wouldn't break past the lump in his throat
all he thought was the day he made that oath
"for better or for worse," with all his heart
he didn't know that 'worse' would be this hard
he took a deep breath, "She said you could hear me"
"I'm right here, like you wanted me to be."
"You're gonna be alright, I love you, dear."
"Don't worry, I won't go. I'll stay right here."
he lifted her hand and held it closely
the tension leaving her body, slowly
tears streamed down his face as he heard the sound
the unchanging beep, it made his head pound
it wasn't supposed to happen like this
they were supposed to raise their child in bliss
mother, father, and a growing daughter
this family wasn't to be altered
but a reckless car had wrecked their future
the 'perfect family' ended sooner
he could bear no longer to see her face
but she wouldn't let his eyes leave this place
a soft hand on his shoulder broke the trance
"Someone's here for you." he stole one last glance
before wiping his eyes to meet the guest
who said words that broke his heart, crushed his chest
"Daddy, where's mommy? I want to see her."
he wasn't prepared to say the answer
he knew he would have to tell her the truth
a truth that would tear away at her youth
"She's gone, baby girl. She's somewhere better."
the child was confused, "But she's right there."
it made him sick, she didn't understand
his body felt faint, he could hardly stand
"No, baby, she's dead." He kneeled beside her
the tears wouldn't stop, hugging his daughter
she pushed him away, "But I want to see!"
"No, she's already gone." But she broke free
he couldn't move from his spot on the floor
but prepared himself for what was in store
"Wake up, mommy! It's not time for bed yet."
"Daddy, I don't see her taking a breath."
with tears staining his cheeks, he went back in
the bed and his child made his head spin
refusing to let his eyes reach her face
he picked up his child, leaving this place
he knew he wasn't prepared for this path
but, someway, for her, he would make it past
he wouldn't give up on raising his girl
to him, she was his bright, shining pearl
it would be very hard, and might feel like a curse
but he vowed not to stop, for better or for worse