one word, no

Sometimes even no words can carry farther than the longest story. Sitting with the friend in her room, the parents come home. She asks "Is she..." The parents look up with reddened eyes, a slight shake of the head, a broken, mumbled "no," and more is said in that silence. She doesn't need or want an explanation--too many words. Turning to me. "Sorry" is cried over her shoulder, she flies up the stairs and I am left alone. I walk outside, call my ride, and leave.
"Is she... okay?" he asks.
"No."
"Do you want to--"
"No."
So much power concealed in a two letter word, so much communicated. A tragic story, only turned tragic with that head shake, with that word. No.

-Emily