The sun was setting over the hills as Amanda quietly walked up the hill, stopping as she got to the top and put her hands in her pockets, looking over the area with a small sigh, closing her eyes and taking a breath as she heard twigs cracking, she looked over her shoulder and saw her...
"Mom!" Amanda called as she ran over to her mother, wrapping her arms tight around her mother's neck... Her mother smiled, returning the girls hug before pulling away softly, putting her hands on Amanda's cheeks, "My Amy, my beautiful girl..." Amanda looked up to her mother, grabbing her wrists, "Where have you been? It's been months..."
Her mother sighed and nodded, "I know, I'm sorry... But listen to me, Amy... You can't hold onto us forever... Not me, not your brother and sister... You need to let us go and live your life..."
Amanda shook her head, "What? No, I can't do that...", her mother shook her head, "Amanda, you have to... It isn't healthy for you to live like this holding on to us"
Amanda shook her head, "No, I can't... You know I can't..."
Her mom shook her head, kissing Amanda's forehead, "Let us go, dear... Go live your life with your family that's still with you..."
Amanda shook her head, starting to cry, "Mom please no... Don't leave me again..."
Her mother smiled at her, "You've grown up to be a beautiful young lady, Amanda... Your friends have taken such great care of you, don't let us hold you back..." she planted one last kiss on Amanda's forehead before stepping back.
Amanda shook her head, tears streaming from her eyes, grabbing her mother's hand, "Mama please... Don't go..."
Her mother looked to her and smiled, "Live your life, my beautiful girl..." she slipped her hand from Amanda's and turned, walking back down the hill and soon disappearing.
Amanda shook her head, sobbing, "Mom, please!" she called after her, falling to her knees and leaning onto the ground, sobbing into the grass quietly.
