She burst into tears and that sound;
choking sobs and gasping on air,
broke me and rattled my bones.

I sat, frozen. Not knowing how to comfort
as I chewed on my food and
going over strategies to assist her.

I ended up joining her at the sink,
stood and wrapped an arm around her
trembling body, still sniffing.

She whispered a "thank you" and left.
I waited and heard her echoing
silent sobs filled the empty hallway.

-m.b