Sometimes when we never choose the people we call family, we get confused about who to call family.

-THEO

Caleb Parks' POV

As I concluded my valedictory speech, I threw off my graduation cap along with my classmates.

I came down from the stage and was immediately caged into a tight hug by my mom.

Did I say tight? I meant bone-crushing; I can feel her rearranging my ribs.

"Congratulations on the graduation and happy birthday." She said as she hugged me tighter.

"Easy Carol, he's turning blue." My dad said as he cradled my six-month-old sister.

I took her from him and cradled her as she gripped my finger and giggled.

I hope that the warmth of this family never dies.

"Come on, Caleb. We have a reservation." My dad said as he led us out of the grand hall of the local high school, which is officially my former school.

My parents rode in the front seat while Abigail and I rode in the back with her giggling continuously.

"So what university will it be, the arts or med school?" My mom turned back to look at me.

"Honestly, I have no idea," I replied, gazing down at Abigail.

"I think you would make an amazing Vet who would sing his patients to sleep," Dad said as he stopped at a stoplight.

"Just because Pedro can sleep through your horrible singing; doesn't mean other animals can." Mom remarked.

"Says the woman who screamed at me to sing for her when I broke stupid barrier back at..."

"Peter," Mom called out warningly as she looked out the window to hide her crimson face.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

We fell into a comfortable silence as we continued to make our way home. A woman ran across the road as the traffic light in front of us turned green.

"Watch out!" She suddenly said as Dad stepped down on the brakes, narrowly missing the woman but skidding over the speed breaker.

The car flew above the road, flipped and landed upside down. I banged my head against the car window and roof whilst holding Abigail firmly against me.

The airbags came out of their compartments after the car had stopped swaying. I doubt they were doing any good, judging by the still figures in the front seats. I formed a fist with my hand and smashed the window open; the glass shattered onto the road. I dragged Abigail with me out of the car. She kept crying as my main concern was getting my parents out of the damaged vehicle. I ignored the sharp pain shooting up my arms as the glass cut my arm.

When I was finally out, I laid Abigail at a safe distance away from the car wreck and went back to it.

I kicked at the window of the driver's seat; shards of glass decorated the ground as the window shattered. My dad was a bloody mess, his head was resting on the steering wheel, and he wasn't breathing.

"Dad..." I called continuously, refusing to believe the scene in front of me.

"Caleb." I heard a soft voice call my name.

For a second, I thought it was Abigail, yet she is barely a toddler. I dropped to my knees and began sobbing while taking in the scene in front of me.

"Caleb, look at me." The voice called out once again.

I looked up and saw my mom; she had blood trickling down the side of her head, and hair was coming out from the bun on top of her hair.

"You don't have much time. You need to take Abigail and get out of here." She coughed up some blood.

I sobbed harder, "I'm not leaving you."

"I'm not asking you to; I will always be there for you. Right now, I beg you to take care of Abigail. You're all she has now."

"We were supposed to be a family." I cried harder.

"Caleb, I swear if you don't find the courage and get Abigail away from here-" Even while on the verge of death, she still manages to threaten me.

The weather joined in on the events as claps of thunder made their presence known. Abigail's wailing became louder as water drops fell from the sky.

"Hurry now." She urged me.

I got up and carried Abigail in my hands,

"I love you both so much. Happy birthday-"

Blood gushed out of her mouth, which stopped her from speaking. I'm guessing something inside of her broke. A lone tear slid down my cheek as I began running away from the car wreck.

Barely after running a mile, a loud bang echoed as smoke began to go up the already grey sky. Abigail let out a sharp whimper; I do not doubt in my mind that she is very likely aware of the loss of our parents. They may not have brought me into this world, but they were there for me.

Tired out, I sat down at the opening of an alley. Abigail's cries hadn't died, yet looking at her brings back many memories. I began to cry and sing the song our parents would use to lure us to sleep.

What a way to start a new year of age.