The next day after my dad came home from the rehab facility my parents were not saying a word to each other. I asked my mom what was wrong; she did not want to tell me. My mom just said whatever I do to not take my dad anywhere, that he needed to rest. I thought that was strange but I agreed. I thought about this while I was doing my morning teen bible lessons.

I went to school like I normally do, but when I got home something was wrong. My dad was lying on the floor. I ran over to him and found the empty bottle of vodka. I did not know what to do. I checked to see if he was breathing, he tried to swat me away. I called my mom at work. When she got home, I had managed to get him up on the sofa. He was coming in and out of consciousness.

My mom did something I did not expect, she told me to pack my bags. She ran around gathering our belongings. My little brother was so confused, and he started crying. I picked him up and went to my room to get my stuff. I made sure to pack my bible study lessons for teenagers. I packed some of my clothes and personal products. I went to see if my mom was ready.

She was sitting at the table crying. I wanted to talk to her, and I wanted to comfort her. I think she didn’t want to burden me, like she had to handle everything on her own. Then she got up, and said we were going to my grandma’s house. On the ride there she continued to cry. I know she loved my dad, but I think she didn’t know how to help him.