"Can you smell that?"
It's the odor of innocence lost
the stench of hope...gone.
I much prefer the smell of you cookin' breakfast...
bacon, cheesy eggs, and mommy...your pancakes always came out browned to perfection.
Your french toast was my favorite though.
I can just taste the love.

I got four A's this semester, and you took me to receive my Most Improved Award, but you slept thru the entire ceremony.
You was in such a rush to get home, you nearly hit that woman and her baby in the cross walk.
You dashed upstairs and locked yourself in the bathroom for hours.
I remember when you were high...on life.
Now, now you cradle that spoon and needle as if your life depends on it.
You used to hold me like that; with such love, an undeniable, unbreakable bond.
I miss you, mommy.

Thank you for the computer.
It's a gift; it's a curse, too.
You see, I found someone who will treat me way better than you do.
Hell, at the very least, he can't be worse than you.
By the way, I have not met him yet
but he assured me everything will be ok.
Seems like a nice enough guy
so I'm off to give him a try.

Four and 1/2 months later, she received a visit from the SVU Division.
The pictures were too gruesome, so they showed her piece of jewelry for a positive id; a gift for his 12th birthday.
At first glance she knew...
her eyes swelled with tears, she screamed and yelled.
It's been a long while since she showed any emotions.
It's been a long while since she felt anything.
All she has now are vague, hazy memories.
The inscription on the bracelet reads, "I will always protect you, mommy."
At first glance she knew...she failed as a mother.

"Numb"
by DL "1LOVE" DAVIS
for Murder Ink (MI6)
© 2011