Amanda Perry - When Darkness Falls

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Dad! I giggle, covering my face to hide my blush. We do not need to have this conversation! Mom told me all about the male species like six years ago, remember?

Im still not sure how we got onto the current subject. It started with us talking about a school dance I was considering going to with a group of friends. Dad seems to think that means I plan to run off into the sunset with the biggest and meanest guy in school and live a depraved life of drugs and alcohol.

Sometimes I wonder if he really thinks these things or if he just tries to lecture me for his own entertainment. Mom never gets into the middle of our little battles. She thinks its great bonding for us, or so she says. I secretly love it when Dad tries to be strict. He knows Im the perfect child and never do anything truly wrong, so its funny to watch him try to come up with outrageous things I could get into trouble for. Once, he tried to ground me for putting the toilet paper roll on the wrong way. Mom vetoed that one pretty fast.

Mom throws her hands in the air and lets out an unladylike snort. Dont put me in the middle of this, you two figure it out.

Im not saying we have to have another sex talk, Dad insists, ignoring my ew face when he says the S word. I just want to make sure youre safe. Im the cool dad, you can come to me about boys and crap if you want to. Im down with the times, yo.

Um, youre for sure not down with anything, Dad. I promise, if I ever need advice about men, I will come to you, I assure him, hoping this ends the conversation.

Honey, where are we? Mom suddenly asks, looking out the window into the night. Dad mentioned it would be a long drive but we have been on the road for two hours already, so were getting impatient. This seems like a longer drive than the long drive you promised.

I have a surprise for you girls, Dad announces, his tone brimming with excitement. How would you girls feel about a weekend getaway at the cabin?

Mom and I share a look before bursting into delighted squeals. Dad laughs and pretends to cover his ears with one hand while driving with the other.

I think Ive gone deaf! My ears ring with the volume of dads theatrical cries.

Mom and I continue to giggle and chatter about the trip and all the shopping we could do. We go to my parents cabin a few times a year and it never gets old. We love to sunbathe by the lake and go for jogs on the remote hiking trail.

I glance out the front window, trying to figure out how much farther we have, when I notice an animal dart out into the road.

I dont have time to yell for my dad to stop. He notices about the same time as me and jerks the car hard in response. The tires squeal and the smell of burning rubber assaults my nose as our car lurches off the side of the road. My dad loses complete control as we leave the asphalt causing the car to careen down the side of the cliff wed been driving on. My screams fill the small space as we flip over and over. The breaking of glass and grinding of metal is so loud it deafens the sound of my cries. Sharp pain explodes in my temple as my head hits the door frame. I hunch over and curl my arms around me, trying to protect myself. Finally, after an eternity, the car stops moving with a jarring halt. Wed landed upside down and I cant move. I call out for my parents. My mom doesnt respond. Blood drips onto the hood of the car, forming a small pool underneath where she hangs limply. Moms head is bleeding badly and no matter how hard I scream for her she wont wake up.

Honey. Dads voice is rough and low, but I hear him.

Daddy! I desperately try to get unstuck from my seat belt. Daddy, I cant get out.

Its okay, baby, he tells me calmly. I need you to listen to me. Are you listening?

Y-yeah, I whimper. I do my best to calm my breathing enough to do as he asks.

You need to stay calm and stay strong. Remember that Mom and I love you so much and we always will. He coughs and groans, as if the movement causes him pain. Honey, you need to be strong. You are meant to do great things. We will always be here with you.

Daddy, well be fine, I cry, trying to reach for him but not able to. My vision is starting to turn fuzzy, but I fight to stay awake. Dont say stuff like that.

I know, Honey. I love you, he whispers.

I love you too, Daddy, I whisper back as the darkness fully envelopes me.

J ulianne! Aunt Laurens screechy, obnoxious voice reaches my ears from across the apartment. Get your stupid ass in here!

With a loaded sigh, I reluctantly roll off my mattress and drag myself into the living room. You called? I ask, keeping my voice void of the annoyance I truly feel.