A few months later…

I wept quietly, head in Troy's chest, as I stared at the oak coffin before my eyes. The more I looked at it, the more I missed Dad. Why, why did he have to go? What wrong did I do to deserve this? I felt as if my heart was shattered, as if there was no more reason to be here. I could not breathe and my throat was dry. I wanted to be with him again, to feel his warmth, the comfort I got when he hugged me.

I recalled all the happy memories we had together and all the exciting ones too. I'd do anything to be with him again, just for one minute. Taylor, Chad, Sharpay and Ryan walked up to me and huddled over me into a tight hug. I missed him so much. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Mum. Even in a situation like this she was busy typing on her laptop. A sense of hatred swept over me as I thought of how rude she was, on her computer at a place like this.

"I sorry Gabs, don't worry."

"Yeah Gabs, we all are here for you, it will be okay."

"Don't worry, don't worry." My friends' bits of comfort felt so soft. I almost did not even notice them huddled around me. Troy pulled me closer to his chest. It felt good, but not as nice as Dad. I kept my head now for the rest of the time as tears poured down my cheeks, onto the dirt.

As soon as it was over, I walked off, towards the crashing of the waves. I remembered the times when Dad and I came here, I felt so happy. I scooped up some sand and held it close, letting it fall through my fingers. I opened my mouth and sang quietly.

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
The words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you

I felt exactly that way. I felt as if in months, life was torn apart. I lay down on the sand, and closed my eyes.

"Gabs, Gabs. Don't worry." I heard a voice. Despite doubting it, I opened my eyes, hoping to see Dad. It was Troy.

"Troy…" I managed to force out. "Why did he go? Why did he leave me? It is not fair…" I pushed my head into Troy's chest. I felt so dizzy and my head hurt so much. Troy stood up and carried me home. The whole time, I cried and cried and cried.

When we got to my house, Troy put me down onto the grass. I looked up. The house seemed different. It was cold and uninviting. I almost did not recognize it. Troy walked me inside and we sat on the sofa.

"Troy, the sofa seems a lot colder than usual. It is freezing."

"I know Gabs." Troy hugged me tight. I pulled his hand and walked up to Dad's room. I picked up his favourite shirt. It smelt like his cologne and his shampoo. Ignoring Troy, I lay down on his bed and hugged the shirt. It felt nice, very nice. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Maybe when I woke up, I would realize it was all a dream and Dad would be there right in front of me.

But of course, it was too real to ever be a dream.