Divorce

I was standing there
frozen
not really all that surprised
the arguing and dissension
had been happening for months
the waves of emotion
threatened to take over
but the void of numbness
overruled
Going back in time
I can hear the faint screams
"How can you not be crying?"
my sister begged for some emotion
my twelve-year-old self knew to stay strong
I couldn't change what was happening
Bravery and strength were what we needed

Now thirty, looking back
I see that brave little girl
she did what she knew to be best
and I love her for that
but something died inside her
the day her family fell apart