Gone

She sat in silence on her lonely bed, looking over and over again at the text messages on her phone.  So many say, "I'm sorry," or, "Let me know if you need anything." A single tear rolled down her face as she scrolled down to the one she wanted to read. "I love you," said the message cheerfully, "I can't wait to be home with you again."   Her eyes became swollen and red as she tried to hold back the tears.  She closed her eyes, trying to get the voice out of her head, "I'm so sorry ma'am." A sudden stream poured out of her eyes. Unwilling and unable to move, she used her bed sheet to wipe her eyes and nose. She doubled over, her head touching her knees.  A knock on the door brought her back to reality. She quickly wiped off her face, hoping her sadness wouldn't show. "Come in, baby," she called to her son.  "Mommy, when is Daddy going to be home from his trip? I miss him a lot." She tried to hold back the hot tears as she squeezed his shoulders between her arms. "I miss him, too, baby.  I miss him too."