Hide and seek

One Two

My heart was pounding in my ears.

Breaths so shallow it left the world spinning.

I walked forward on numb legs one step at a time.

Wide eyed, sweating.

Fear, this was fear.

Three Four

The happiest day of my life.

I loved her since the day she was born.

She was my world.

My life.

My baby.

Five Six

Behind the curtains was a lump.

A little breathing lump.

Two little shoes peeking out the bottom.

A giggle rung through the air.

or maybe it was a memory.

Seven Eight

She was only seven.

Too young.

She wasn’t ready to go.

I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

And then she was gone.

Nine Ten

Forward step by step.

Until I’m close enough to reach out and touch the all too familiar shape.

I’m light headed now holding my breath.

I’m scared.

but I need to know.

Ready or not here I come.

In one motion I threw open the curtains.

But there was no one there.

Nothing but an open window.