Symphony of the Dead

He sits on the bed, bent over with his fingers interlaced on top of his head. Her words echoing down the hallway are still burning in his ears. Why does daddy like making me afraid of him? The man lowers his hands and lifts one of them to still his trembling lips. I'm scared he's going to hurt me. He blinks, trying desperately to hold the tears back. Does daddy even love me Mama?  The man gives up and starts to weep uncontrollably, his back shaking with every sob. Why does he scream at me so much? He looks up and his words are barely audible. "I'm so sorry." The man can taste salty tears on his lips. Mama, I'm so scared. I want to die. He can still see her sitting there wearing a white night gown, her dead mother's dress spread on her lap. Mama I'm coming to you. "No!" He screams, reaching for something that's no longer there. I love you Mama. The girl says as she lifts the knife with quivering hands, and plunges it into her heart. "No." He whispers, and the darkness closes in on him. His daughter's deep blue eyes look up at him, filled with tears and sorrow. And from her bloody lips he still can hear her last words. I love you daddy. Liquid crimson is spreading over the wedding dress the little girl clutches in her dying fingers. Her words won't stop singing in his ears, like the grief filled symphony of the dead. I love you so much. The man hangs his head, and all that can be heard in the room are his heart wrenching sobs. I forgive you.