Rainey and I are sitting on my old couch with popcorn as our divide. It’s been quiet for a few minutes. But, suddenly a sad whisper cries out:

“Maddie…I don’t know if I can trust you with this.”

“You can tell me anything, you know that.”

“I know…”

“Hey, whatever this is you can’t keep it bottled up inside.”

Her face just stares at me with those sad blue eyes.

“Please, please, it’s okay.”

“Maddie, my mom’s dead.”

She shakes her head trying to hold back the tears. Me, I’m shocked, but then I turn back to reality. Knocking the popcorn bowl to the floor the line is erased.

“Wait…the popcorn.”, Rainey says with tears falling from face.

“Don’t worry about that, come here.”

I take into my arms, she comes up still crying.

“Maddie, what am I going to do? She’s all I had.”

“I know, I know.” This time I put my hand on her head and pull her to my shoulder.

“But your wrong Rainey. You’ve got me. I’m not going anywhere.