I am closed off, a total eclipse. I am on the pavement when Del leaves me. I am on the pavement when my father tells me, I don’t need you either. I am unwanted. I cry so much that not even two hands can dry the tears. I cry until there’s nothing left. I climb into bed and cradle my soft body, willing myself to sleep. But I don’t sleep that night because to sleep with grief is not to sleep at all.
