Bellows in The Backyard

"Rest in peace," Nick reluctantly threw a handful of dirt onto the lowered coffin.

This is wrong. Nick Carter's best friend wasn't supposed to be lying in a casket at the young age of twenty-two. No, life was playing a trick on him. People weren't supposed to be crying and mourning her loss. Laughter because of her affable nature should be heard echoing the town. Yes, this is very wrong.
How could such a loving, caring, dedicated, and venerated sister, daughter, and friend be gone? And for what… some careless decision?

"Are you alright, Nick?" questioned his mother.

NO MOTHER! He wanted to shout. MY BEST FRIEND IS DEAD!

He expressed his regrets and good-byes to his friend's family then allowed his mother to drive him to the Carter residence.

"I'll bring you dinner in your room," his mother talked to his back walking up the stairs. FOOD? I'M NOT HUNGRY! SHE'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO EAT AGAIN!

"I miss you Linda," Nick whispered, finally in the confines of his room.

Gangs were, are, and will always be wrong. Just as wrong as his best friend being dead. Linda had so desperately encouraged her brother to quit the gang he so faithfully participated in. When the message finally got through to him, the gang leaders didn't accept it well, as expected. Although he got out unscathed it was at his sister's expense. In order to avenge his departure the gang members shot Linda. A multitude of foolish mistakes resulted in the death of a living angel.

Controlled by a melancholy trance, Nick switched on the television, a news program showing.

"Today the President goes to Congress to purpose a resolution for war…"

"In other news the mystery sniper has killed yet another victim…"

"At a high school in downtown LA a freshman shoots seventeen kids…"

"A teenage girl, in fear of her parents, gives birth to a baby boy diagnosed with full blown AIDS in her room, and drops the infant in a dumpster, hours before attending a college campus party…"

As if adding salt to an open wound, the news reports brought fresh tears down Nick's cheeks. Lying back on the bed, he permitted himself to freely cry.

THESE KIDS TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED! IT'S A SHAME! He screamed within his mind.

"Nick?" a small voice was heard from the slightly cracked door.
"Angel?"
"Mom just wanted to know if you're awake because she'll bring up your dinner now,"
"Okay,"
"Um, Nick are you okay?"
"No,"
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I'm going to buy a deserted island, Angel,"
"That won't change anything, except make you lonely and depressed,"
"More so than now?"
"A billion times worse!"
"When did you get so smart?"
"During all the time I spent watching you…"

Nick rose and moved over to his window. After a moment, with his sullen gaze still transfixed on the scenery, he inquired, "Why is there so much hate? People can't realize how lucky they are to be alive! Don't they know violence kills!" Anger now supplanted his sorrow. "Instead of being grateful for breathing they're hating the world! Walking the streets with hate in their hearts for reasons I can't comprehend. I need some peace of mind, Angel! Why do we live like animals struggling to survive? Trying not to be eaten by the bigger predator and not helping each other out!"
"Nick, I don't know what to tell you… but, you can't let it get to you because even if it isn't spoken, there is good in the world, just take a look!"
"You sound like Linda…" Tears returned to Nick's eyes.
"I can't make the pain stop," Angel continued, "But I can try,"
"How?" TRYING ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH! TRYING WON'T KEEP THE PAIN AWAY!
"I'll wait until you've healed a little, agree?"
THAT'LL BE AWHILE.
"Yes,"

Three weeks later…

"I'm very proud of you, Nick. You've been doing a great job at focusing on the positive,"
"Thanks Angel,"
"However, I know it still hurts so I'm going to make an attempt to ease your pain,"
YOU CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO COMPREHEND THE PAIN…

Angel took her brother's arm dragging him outside wearing confusion on his face and mixed emotions in his heart.


"What is this about?" he asked, seeing nothing unusual in his backyard.
"Everytime the pain in your heart becomes too much to bear Nick I want you to come out here and just yell. Let it all out!"
"What? You're kidding,"
"No. Try it,"

Tentatively, Nick turned towards the open blue sky, decorated with soft white clouds which overshadowed the tranquil blue waters, and released a shout, leaving the harsh realities of life behind if only for a moment.

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