by Maria Trudalidi

Created on: November 16, 2009

It was a day before Thanksgiving and I was on my way to my parents' home. A trip halfway around the world - from my small apartment in London to their suburban home in Oregon - was really uncalled for (it wasn't even Christmas) but my father only had weeks to live. After a long battle with leukemia had finally given in. And so it was decided. I was to spend this Thanksgiving - his last - at home.

It was only when the plane landed that i began to feel the butterflies in my stomach. My sister, who lived just across the border, in Washington, was bringing her newest boyfriend for the holidays. He was said to be a most handsome young man, though outdoorsy, so not at all my type. He wasn't exactly her type either, but, knowing Elane, she could make anything and anyone work for her.

"Mum!" I cried excitedly, as i saw my dear old mother running to greet me. She had tears in her eyes and looked much older than when i last saw her, a Christmas ago.

"Oh Marie! We've missed you!" She sobbed, enveloping me in a hug. I noticed my father wasn't there to meet me. "The poor old chap," my mother began, noticing my expression, before bursting into tears.

"Oh mum! It'll be alright..." I patted her on the back.

"I wish, dearest, i only wish." I gently dried her tears and hugged her tightly. "What would i do without you?" She smiled a sad smile, pulling away.

"I'm sure you would be kept pretty busy with Elane." I chuckled.

With that we linked arms and slowly walked over to the baggage claim.


"Where's my eldest daughter?" My father cried before we could close the door.

"Daddy!" I gave my frail father a bear hug as he reached us. I could tell it was painful for him to move, so i assisted him back to the sitting room to his favourite, vomit-green armchair. The piece of furniture was the only thing that stood out in the otherwise perfect house.

"How was my Marie's flight?" he inquired as soon as he caught his breath.

"Fine, daddy. How are you holding up?"

"Oh you know, already sent out the invitations..."

"For what?"

"My funeral." He joked sadly.

"It is not funny dad." I said sternly, turning away. I felt my eyes well up with tears, so I quickly excused myself outside.

Just as the door closed behind me, a red minivan pulled into the driveway.

"Elane!" I squealed, brushing away my tears brusquely so she wouldn't see.

"Marie! How have you been? Jeez, you're even more gorgeous than last year!"

"Thanks, and great! What about you?"

"Oh swell, just swell," she laughed lamely, "Oh, here, you haven't met yet

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