Nearly Witches

Emma

March 23, 2005

"Emma. Emma, time to wake up."

Her mother's voice softly roused Emma, as she felt hands gently nudging her. She turned over and opened her eyes. Her mother stood over her, her red hair falling over her shoulders and tickling Emma's face. Her green eyes, just like Emma's, sparkled with excitement. Her dad stood behind her mom, arms crossed, a smile on his face. His brown eyes shined with excitement; his long, dark brown hair was braided and rested over his shoulder.

"Happy birthday, Emma!" they both exclaimed, as her dad came forward and swept her up in his arms.

Emma laughed happily, resting her little hands on his shoulders. Her russet skin matched perfectly with his.

"Want to go get some breakfast?" her mom asked, running her hand through Emma's black, wavy hair.

Her dad made a face. "I thought I'd just go out and get it. It's so cold out."

"Clive..." her mom started, turning to look at him.

"Melissa," her dad interrupted, "It'll be fine. I'll just run out and get it. The roads are covered in ice and snow. God knows what kind of crazy drivers there are. I'll be extra careful. I promise."

Her mom considered for a moment. "Alright. Just get home safe."

"I will," her dad promised, kissing her mom. He turned back to Emma. "How do doughnuts sound?"

"Doughnuts!" Emma shouted excitedly, squirming out of her dad's grip. He set her down and she took off down the hall, continuing to shout about doughnuts.

Her dad bundled himself up as much as he could. Emma had heard her parents talking about how cold it had been this year. A blizzard had blown in just a few days before. He gave them both a kiss before he left.

An hour later, Emma's mom was putting the finishing touches on the cake she had made. She waggled the green candle, shaped like a five, in Emma's face before placing it on the cake. She noticed her mom look at the clock. She could tell she was worried. Her mom had been regularly looking at the clock for the last half an hour. Emma wondered if her dad was supposed to take so long. He said he was going to be careful. Maybe he was taking his time?

Just as Emma thought this, there was a knock at the door. Her mom seemed to go white. Emma was just confused. Her dad wouldn't be knocking at the door. And she didn't think anyone was going to be coming over today. She'd decided to cancel her party because of the bad weather.

Her mom slowly made her way towards the door. Emma jumped off of her chair and followed. Her mom unlocked and opened the door, her hand shaking. A police officer stood on the other side. He was bundled up against the weather, a scarf covered his nose and mouth. He pulled his scarf down.

"Excuse me for intruding," he said, "Do you know a Clive Chosa?"

"Yes, I'm his wife," her mom answered, resting a hand on Emma's head. Emma clung to her leg. "I'm Melissa Chosa."

The police officer took off his hat. His face looked sad. "I'm sorry to tell you this. Your husband was in a car accident. It appears he lost control of his car on the icy roads. I'm so sorry. He didn't make it."

Her mom gasped, raising her hand to her mouth. Emma looked up at her mom. Her mom looked like she was about to cry.

"Mommy, what does that mean?" Emma asked. "Where's Daddy? When is he coming home?"

Her mom looked down at her, tears glistening in her eyes. She scooped Emma up in her arms, holding her close.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," her mom whispered. "Daddy isn't coming home."