MICHAEL

I stand in the middle of the living room of the new house and let the silence hit me.

The house smells like fresh wood and expensive polish, the house is filled with pictures of Aliana and King;

Aliana laughing, head thrown back, hair caught mid-motion like she doesn’t know she’s being photographed.

King on her shoulders.

King asleep on her chest.

Aliana kneeling to tie his shoe.

Aliana standing in front of a mirror, unaware, soft and strong at the same time.

King scowling at the camera like the world has personally offended him.

My chest tightens.

I don’t remember taking these photos but my body remembers her....