Alone Again

In those two year old eyes there was nothing but innocence that gleamed through the cruel world.

The light in them reflected off everyone else’s like hallway nightlights on a wooden floor.

She used those lights to find her way to her mommy’s room.

She was scared. The night had woken her with big feet that stomped her good dreams out.

There was a long trek from her bed over misplaced yo-yos and feet pajamas.

There was the doorknob. Her delicate fingers reached for it with determined confidence.

Past her door, the cold air would wash over her like a lazy Arctic ocean tide.

There was the uncertainty of the stairs and the risk of falling, but she was insistent on her journey.

Her mommy’s room was coming closer. It got bigger in her pupils the more steps she took.

Too bad mommy wasn’t there.

The sheets were a stark white, and she fought back tears with a vengeance.

That innocence was becoming endangered and consumed by the thoughts that terrified her.

The mattress didn’t seem as soft when she was alone.

There were no comforting whispers that used to assure the girl that everything was alright.

She would be alone again tonight.