Absence of Grace, ... those conniving Gods,

Mia My best bell-bottom jeans slipped right on; on top a white long-sleeved shirt, and the worn high-heeled black boots had to do. Then lipstick, shadow, and a touch of blush and I was ready, but tired...thinking thinking. Nick, what now? You're the only man I love and you're gone but my love is not. I think of you only twice: when I'm awake and when I sleep. I will you to come back and apologize for dying and leaving me alone. To suffer existence without you is barely worth the knowing that there was once a boy like you. And, yes, it's unhealthy to dredge the memory of you, yearning and wishing for a miracle. But that's how it is. And I don't want to cry, Nick, and have to put on my face all over again. And I cried... and put my face on again. Sam "There's more, something else I've never told you. The twins were left alone all day and night, locked in their room, with the TV on, with no food. They used to climb out their window and go to Gracie's. Not once, Sam, often. Gracie and I talked, and she wanted me to decide what you needed to know." "Jesus Christ. When, Mom, why didn't you tell me right away?" "You were away, Sam, and I thought I could figure it out. She's threatened me and she meant it. I'm scared, son. They fight all the time, her and the boys, especially the twins. They love her, poor things, but they're afraid. She threatened to kill me if I told you."