Flashback
"Oh, oh, oh, Cammie's crying…" my mom sang in my ear. I sat in her lap, crying over my dog Rosie dying. I sniffed, and calmed my tears. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Rachel," a voice called through the door, "Its Joe. I need to talk to you." My mom lifted me off her lap. She put me on the floor, and kissed me on the forehead.
"I'll be right back," she said, as she walked away. I sat on the floor and heard the door open, followed by muffled voices.
"Cammie," my mom called, "can you come here for a second?" I stood and walked to the foyer. I looked up to see my dad's best friend, Joe Solomon.
"UNCLE JOE!" I cried happily. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. He chuckled and lifted me into the air and spun me around.
"Hey kiddo," he said. He put me down and I stood there in front of him, expectantly. I knew there was something going on, and it involved me.
"Cammie," my mom said calmly. I turned to face her and she squatted down to my level. I was only six, so I was short compared to everyone else in the room.
"Yeah mommy," I said. She looked at me, and I noticed sadness in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Listen honey," she began, "I need you to go pack your things, because you're going to stay with Uncle Joe for a little while. Ok?"
"Okay," I squeaked, tears welling in my eyes. I knew better than to question my mom, she knew what was best. I silently turned and walked to my room. I grabbed my backpack and two suitcases from under my bed, and packed my clothes, pictures, and favorite things. I was walking out the door, when I remembered the box. I ran to my closet, reached up to the top shelf, and pulled down the box. I put it into my backpack. I walked down the stairs, and Uncle Joe silently took my suitcases to the car. He reappeared as I was hugging my mom goodbye. She let me go, and I walked to the door and took Joe's hand. He nodded to my mom, and we turned to walk out the door.
"Take care of her Joe," my mom called. He paused to face her.
"You know I will Rachel," he said, with promise in his eyes, "you know I will." I watched as my mom walked over to hug Joe. She held him and whispered something in his ear. He nodded then turned to me again.
"C'mon kiddo," he said, "Let's get going." I nodded. I blew one more kiss to my mom, and turned to begin my life with Joe.