I was five years old
Long hair, chubby cheeks, loud voice and starry eyed;
I was out with my family
After thanksgiving
Tummies full and jolly laughter came from my dad,
His beard was growing out
Because it was getting chilly outside,
The stores were packed with people
Screaming and yelling and fighting over the best deals

Black Friday

We were supposed to visit my grandpa
In the hospital
Where it smelled like dying people
And medicine,
I didn't really mind the smell
I did all I could to make people laugh and smile,

But we were running late,
Mom’s phone started to jingle
And she answered in a professional voice
She always had when answering that stupid phone

She stopped and looked sad
Eyes tearing up

I didn't understand, I was only five,
As we rushed to the hospital

My grandpa was gone
My best friend was gone
My playmate was gone
My whole world was gone

And there was nothing I could do
Except cry
Every year
At home on the couch with mom
On Black Friday