Winter
In a dark moment I ask, "How can anyone bring a child into this world?" And the answer rings clear, "Because there is no other world, and because the child has no other way into it."
~Robert Brault
It all began with an announcement from the President.
"I would first like the American people to know that I have tried everything in my power to stop the turn of events that has caused the situation that we are in from happening, but, despite my attempts, it has happened. We are at War with The Russian Federation."
As soon as he was done speaking, questions and voices exploded from the crowd in front of his podium. Explanations, accusations, and threats were thrown at the President and answers being demanded. To which our President replied nothing with a wry smile, as he lifted up his right hand and walked back into that white house as if this was a casual speech.
I clutched Nana's hand tightly as the words sunk in, and the world around us seemed to fall apart. The usually loud streets of Manhattan became filled with shrieks, crying, and yelling. And I was afraid, I was very afraid. Goose-flesh had risen on my skin, my eyes had watered down to the point where I could no longer make out the news anchor woman, and I was holding Nana's hand so tight that my knuckles turned white and I was sure I was hurting her.
But she didn't pull away; She just pulled my closer to her, causing me to rest my head on her shoulder. I inhaled the scent of sugar-cookies that always seemed to linger on her soft, wrinkled skin. A scent that had always calmed me in situations when I ran to her; And I half-expected her to pull me closer still and say 'Everything is going to be alright Jay-bird, just you wait.'. But she didn't.
When a video of our troops running through snow began to play on the screen, Nana quickly turned the T.V. off. After a moment of silence and staring at a black screen, Nana whispered,
"My little Jay-bird, will you sing a song that everyone will hear? A song filled with love and fear? A song that will shed tears?-
"And chase away the World's fears?" I finished the little song that Nana had made for me with of smile, "Of course I will Nana. Of course I will."
