Lindsey Goertz

Toxins

Memories. What are memories? They’re images that play in your head of better times. Or worse times, I guess you could say. But we like to forget about the worst times of our lives right? But what if there was someone that kept reminding you of these times? Or in my case, something. I stare at the heart shaped locket that sparkled in my hand like a diamond. It wasn’t made of diamonds, or anything fancy for the matter. But it was worth more then gold to me. I remember the day it was given to me like it was yesterday, although I don’t really know how many days it had actually been. It was a nice summer day in the middle of June. Me and my little brother were playing Marco Polo in the pool, while mom and dad sat on the porch in their rocking chairs. It was my favorite pastime as a 6 year old. Some of my best memories are laughing with my family, as we splash around in that kiddie pool. But then everything changed in a blink of an eye. I hear mom scream as I look up to see hundreds of rocks hurling our way. No one knew what they were, or why they were here. Just that it was bad. Being 6, I don’t recall much of that day. The screams, the flames that erupted once the rocks hit the earth, and the cars that the military men took us away in, was about it. But I remember one image vividly. My mom saying “I love you baby girl! Forever and always.” As she handed me this necklace. That was the last time I saw her or my dad.