Dedication: To P.E.N. Name7771, my NUMBER ONE FAN! HA HA HA HA!
Oh, and to Rachel. Name changed for privacy.
~*~*~*~*~*~The woman's hair lay entwined about her head, a few tendrils coming loose from her golden curls. Her eyes danced out of the faded photograph, peering at the viewer with amused interest. A delicate hand propped up her chin, carelessly holding a white lily.
My hands shook as I held the smooth frame. I tapped at the glass, as if hoping to be drawn to the woman in the picture.
"Mother," I whispered.
Her eyes reproached me. 'Why do you go, you delightful coward?' they laughed.
"I must, Mother," I whispered. "For you. For Father. You know what will happen if I stay here."
'Be brave,' Mother's eyes pleaded. 'You needn't leave.'
"I'll never be as strong as you, Mother," I whispered.