3034 Albany, Apt. 2A

I have been alone, for months. It seems now everyone wants something new and improved, updated to the latest craze of home décor. I creak because I am old. I have been pounded on and yelled at, hurt when the glass was thrown across my face. It shattered against my wooden frame, splinters flying everywhere. It scared me actually. I could feel your anger, your frustration, in the way you leaned into me. I don't understand what father did that angered you so. Feeling the weight of defeat on his shoulders, father decided it was time to head to bed. I wanted to comfort you, to make it better, but I couldn't. Not too many people can feel me, let alone hear me. I had to watch in silence while you worked through your frustration.

It was a warm summer night, the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh cut grass. The moon was high in the sky, casting a soft glow on the room. You were here, sitting, your body tense and your voice raised. His face was expressionless and he stood listening to the same words, over and over again. Everyone would be in a better mood if we all just took a bre-.

And then, it happened. The glass flew across the room and hit me, hard. I was shocked, scared. I thought that this was it, that my life as I knew it was over. But then you were gone, without explanation and I was alone.

The room was silent, still. I was left to ponder what had just happened, what it all meant. I thought I would never see normal again, I started to feel a little more comfortable by the change of season. It was difficult letting the memories go because there were great memories, but things changed and you started to forget more. You were upset at the smallest of incidents. We had some beautiful memories, but I was hurt.

I moved on from you. Things are better. I enjoyed hearing the laughter from the children as they play and feel warm when everyone is cuddled on the couch watching a movie. My favorite day of the week is Saturday because that's breakfast day, waffles are my favorite. There is so much joy watching mom sing in the kitchen while she is making coffee. I get excited on these days because the kids help with breakfast while mom tells them to be careful as they add more flour to the waffle recipe.

"Easy, easy, try to get the flour in the bowl kids." Mom is funny when she says stuff like that. I feel energized watching the family spend time in the kitchen getting ready for the day.

Today is a celebration, my older brother is graduating college, and the excitement is rising. Not only is brother the first in our family to graduate college, he is going to become a lawyer. The family is coming from all over to celebrate his graduation. Mom and dad are very proud of him, we all are.

*****

I heard mom speaking about how sick father is. She was sobbing while brother was fixing a cup of tea for her. Mom and brother were talking for a long time about the next steps to take. I'm not sure what that exactly meant but mom and brother gave each other a hug. I wish I could say something that would comfort them, I remembered they probably wouldn't listen to me anyway. I was so sad about everything I decided to take a nap.

I woke up feeling a chill run down my spine. I tried to see through the frost, but all I could make out were the faint outlines of unfamiliar shapes in the air. It was a sad day for everyone, they said dad had passed away. I felt a little emptier inside without him around. His laughter would fill the air when he was around. I missed him so much. Mom's words echoed in my mind, "Heaven gained an angel." Brother had offered to take Mom in and she had accepted. I stood there, feeling helpless, as Mom climbed into Brother's car. I was alone again, and the thought was not a welcome one.

The sound of the car engine starting was like a knife to my heart, slicing away at the remnants of my family. I watched as the car pulled away, taking Mom further and further from me.

The emptiness of the house was a constant reminder of all that I had lost. I was filled with a sense of sadness, but also a sense of determination. I would not let this loss define me. I would find a way to move forward, to heal and find happiness once again.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for this new experience. I took a deep breath and felt the crisp air. I knew that this day would be one to remember. I started to hum a little tune because I was feeling wonderful today. We had what someone call an "upgrade", new paint, new windows and doors, new floors, everything renovated making me feel new again.

Brother was a successful real estate lawyer and had just purchased a building for the local college. I was thrilled at the prospect of meeting young adults on the brink of starting their lives. When I listened to brother's stories, he spoke fondly of his daughter who was attending the college nearby. He wanted to do something good for the students and chose to renovate his old neighborhood home, bringing it up to code and giving it new upgrades. Brother knew the struggles of being the first in his family to go to college, so he donated the building to the college so the students could live closer to campus and, of course, his daughter.

It was a beautiful day, and the halls of the building were filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. I was so happy that I started humming a tune to myself, lost in my emotions. Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door, Brother's daughter entered the room.

"Hey, I heard you humming. I guess we're going to be roommates. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said.

"Wow, you can hear me?" I replied, surprised.

Brother's daughter was not phased in the least. She told me about all the strange things that always seemed to happen to her, and I was fascinated by her gifts.

"I'm so excited," I said. "I have so much to tell you..."