The Last Thing I Remember

“Anna, put on the shoes your dad gave you.” I obeyed. He had given them to me for my birthday before he Was taken away. I haven’t seen him since that day. But, mom tells us that we’ll see him again someday. Melancholy had masked my mom’s face all morning. My brother and sister sat on their bunks with sorrow. It began to run and grow down their pale pastel cheeks As mom somberly told them… “Your sister and I are going away, promise me you’ll brush your teeth and always pray. Peter, you take care of your sister, you’re the man of the house now. It’s not that bad, oh my beautiful babies—don’t be sad. I love you!” “Let’s go!” as the guard pushed me and my mom. She picked me up and placed me in her arms then harmoniously hummed my favorite bedtime song. Then, we walked into a chamber. She said “Close your eyes” and that’s the last thing I remember. Submitted for Abe’s “Leather Voices” contest