We Never Imagined

              It began with a silly little argument. A vicious attack ensued. Tears were shed. Little time passed. A meeting was held. A message relayed. A series of broken hearts resulted.  
               My parent’s don’t get along. They haven’t for years. My Dad, well he works a lot. My Mom stays home, and has raised my four siblings and me. My Dad disagrees about the standards by which my Mom teaches us. My Dad isn’t home very much. He doesn’t understand that our home has routine. It works too. It’s hard when my Dad is home. The spirit of love in our home diminishes and one of contention quickly seems to take its place.

There have always been a lot of arguments when it comes to my Mom and Dad. I just thought that’s how it was. I leave within a year. My sister will soon follow suit with my brother only two years behind her. That’s four years. I figured with all of us gone, they would have time to focus on each other; to discover the fervent love they used to share.  

I have found myself tricked. It has all been simply an act. Numerous times succeeding heated disagreements, I would ask my Mom, ‘do you still love Dad?’ I was never denied the answer I desired. The past ten years have been a lie. They’ve cheated me, thinking it was to my benefit.  

Doors were quietly shut. Emotions would not permit the comfort of sleep. A short trip down the stairs and embracing arms were found. Wandering ears searched out the source of our noiseless peace. In secret solitude, the night was spent in each other’s warm company.  

My younger brother, sister, and I share an irrefutable bond. More loyal, encouraging, and caring, a relationship you will never find. There hasn’t been a serious fight between us for years. We are each other’s best friends. None of us would have it any other way. We have seen, among our friends, a series of broken marriages. Never did we think it would happen here.  

I find myself frightened of the future. How must I choose, and where will I go? Will this someday happen to me? Why take that chance? I bury my face into the back of my sleeping sister. I listen to the steady breathing of my baby brother in the bed just above. An air of tranquility reaches my soul and my weary eyes find solace in sleep.