Although two hours had passed it seemed like Shay had just laid down to take a short nap when she heard a soft tap on her bedroom door. "Mom are you awake?" Anthony whispered. "Grandma told me to come in here and I already told her you were sleeping".

"It's ok Ant. I was getting up anyway. I have a  lot to do".

"Can I help you with anything mom?"

"Oh don't worry about helping me. Grandma will sure keep you busy today and tomorow!" Shay raised her eyebrows at Anthony to get his approval. He nodded in agreement and then laughed.

"You are so right mom. Better save my energy for her."

"Everything ok in here?" as Gertie poked her small head inside the door. "I thought I heard my name" as she eased the rest of her body into Shay's bedroom.

"Everything is fine mom. I was just telling Ant that you would probably need his help." Shay forced herself out of bed while talking. She knew her mother would either say something to make her get out of bed or get in bed with her. That's the kind of mother Gertie was, it was her way or the highway. No gray area, no negotiations, no explanations, no nothing. She would nag you to death until you eventually did what she wanted. Shay hated all the nagging the most and would do anything to avoid it.

"So what's wrong with you that you just HAD to leave the funeral? Did you see all the people that came out to support you? Looks like the whole damn Army came. Marcus was very loved I guess. I would have never known that. I mean he seemed like such a loner."

Shay couldn't stomache it anymore. "Mom do you mind? I left because I had a migraine and I really don't feel like discussing this right now."

"I was just asking"

"I know what you were asking. This is not the time for 20/20!"

"20/20. Is that what you think I was doing? I was only trying"

"MOM! Please stop. Just shut the hell up or get out of my room." As the words came out her mouth, Shay felt her stomach tie up in a bunch of knots. She was too familiar with this feeling. She felt like a wounded animal whose only goal was survival. And everyone knows a wounded animal cannot be held responsible for its actions or in this case Shay's hurtful words.

"Look, I understand you just lost your husband but there is no reason for you"

Shay interrupted. "Mom I am very sorry and you're right. I should not have yelled at you or cursed at you. Please forgive me. I'm just really really tired right now. "

"Well maybe you should go back to bed. I don't know why you even got up anyway. There is nothing you need to do today is there?"

"No mom I don't need to do anything." Shay kissed her mom on the cheek. "I'm going to bed now. " She knew eventually those words would come back and haunt her.

"Ok if you need anything I will be right out here. You get some rest. Anthony get your grandmother something to drink. "

"Yes grandma". The house was dead silent for the rest of the day and into the night.