9:15pm.

9:15pm
It's normally around this time when most are settling down for another day done.
Young ones tucked in and read to.
Night light on, monsters from the closet and under the bed taken care of
As that special someone leaves the door lightly open in order to hear them call or cry,
Foot steps heavy from the weight yet soft from not wanting to wake a soul.
It only becomes a matter of time;
A split moment where the world freezes.
The simpleness of the cordless phone going off
A pick up, 'Hello' and falling to the floor.
A dreaded call
Painful regret.
The greatest loss...

A funeral in the making.
Childish questions asked without gaining adult answers in return
Yet...
They already know.
No coming back.
Hugs
Or...
Kisses
Never growing up with them
Playing games
Getting into trouble
Hearing their voice in the darkness...
Always glancing up at the sky hoping they get the chance of seeing them.
Going to the airport instead of the graveyard
Talking about the medals instead of looking at them over the mantle
A picture
A uniform
Dogtags
The last good-bye that never came...

9:15pm
A child up past bedtime
Footsteps making shuffling sounds
Coming down the stairs with a book in their hands
That special someone caught offguard but doesn't say no
As they read and the child listens
A man that is able to walk on water
And overcomes death...
Miracles happening from the touch of His hand
People rejoicing
Loving
And
Crying...

All is cut short as the cordless phone breaks the silence
As the child jumps from the couch to get there first
"Hello?"
Small eyes sparkle bright
Smile, the biggest seen in a long time
Giggles and tears of joy trail down such a tiny face
'You're up late, shouldn't you be in bed?'
Not knowing the right words
The child shares
And ends with;
'I love you'
Hanging up the phone and going to bed.

A single light left on
A child drawing of a small happy family
And the book...
Laid right beside...
Five gold letters easy to read on the spine

B''''''''''''''''''''''';
I                  ;
B                 ;
L                 ;
E.................;