"Kids, why don't you go play outside? I and your father have to discuss something in private." Mamma spoke, "Harper, please watch the twins." Mamma insisted. "Fine" I replied. We exited the kitchen and headed outside, played for a good 11 minutes.

We heard a lot of arguing, but it was muffled so it sounded like dogs barking. When it stopped there was a big BANG. And I bet the whole countryside of North Carolina could hear it. When I heard that noise, I knew something went wrong, and it would change our lives FOREVER. I looked to see if my brothers were okay, thankfully they were. Marcus, in fright, ran to the house scared to death by the noise. Hoping that his loving parents were ok. Followed by his twin Max.

I saw Papa drive away in his truck, down the road, and vanish into the light of the sunrise not looking back. I ran after them to see if our Mamma was alright. When I walked into the kitchen where they were arguing, I saw the Twins crying on the floor with Mama on their laps with a bullet in her chest. I dropped to my knees trying to hold back the tears but that war I lost, and it was like a rainstorm right in my eyes.

Marcus and Max sit in awe knowing they couldn't save her or stop the person who killed her. They were just too angry to even look at her. Since it's so quiet in the country of North Carolina nobody could hear a thing besides us. After most of the anger and sadness had passed and the tears on our cheeks were dry we called 911 quickly. When the ambulance and police came the red and blue lights from the cars were so blinding I could hardly see.

When the police came they started questioning us. And covering our mother's body and putting her in an ambulance. During this time, we could not answer three questions. 1. Where is your father? 2. Do you know who killed her? 3. What were they arguing about?

After questioning the police they came to the conclusion that our father murdered Mamma. We were stunned. Papa cared for Mamma so much that he would give his life for her. But, the one thing I dread is why Papa took off?

"You're wrong, Papa would never kill Mamma!" screamed Marcus. We had already left home and arrived at the old run-down police station. " Look, what happened to your mother is tragic, but you must face the fact that your father did kill her." explained the Sheriff "You kids are only 10 and 13 and this must be a tough thing to go through-" Said Sheriff Sam. " We know our father better than you, and you cannot dismiss the possibility he could be innocent," I argued as I cut him off. "Harper as the oldest I expect more from you. You should not be encouraging your brother's imagination." remarked Sheriff Sam "Now do y'all have a place to stay?" "No, Mamma and Papa were all we got," I said. "Well, you kids can stay at my place. Then in the morning we can go back to the house and settle your theory." explained Sheriff Sam "Then after we sort out your parent's will. We shall have a funeral in a week and go to the orphanage your parents requested."

We got into the back of the police car and drove off into the sunset. When we got to the house it was dark and looked no better than our barn. The blue paint is fading and it smells like manure. I was sure the inside was no different, but let me tell ya it was horrible.

Sheriff Sam guided us to the kitchen which wasn't much. It's Just an old stove that he was probably too lazy to fix, a wobbly table, and one chair. We sat on the floor and handed us each a can of beans. "Eat up." He said. We didn't dare to complain because none of us wanted to go to bed hungry. We ate in silence as Sheriff Sam stared at us. He led us to our room that had only one mattress and a blanket. I let the twins have the bed while I laid on the floor.

I couldn't sleep that night though. Mamma would always wish us good night, but now that she was gone I feel incomplete. But, I can't help this feeling in my gut that there is much more to the story.