The Guilt by realpoet

Tula was twelve years old. In fact, this was her birthday. She usually got a great present from her dad. She waited for her dad to get out of bed. She waited and waited. Her dad did not get up. Her mother had not come home from her nurse's job at the hospital. Tula, cracked the door to her dad's room and whispered,"Dad----dad, it's past time to get up!" No one answered. She opened the door wide. No one was there. She noticed a piece of paper,mostly like a note, on the night table. She picked it up and read, "Happy birthday. I won't be back. I've found a woman I love more than your mom."
Tula threw the note away as if it burned her hand. She walked around in circles cursing her dad, "You damn two timer ! you--you, damn hypocrit ! Yesterday you said you loved me. Now, I find it was a @#%** lie!
Tula's mom made a big noise as she usually did when coming home from work. She called to Tula from the kitchen, "Tully, what's wrong, your dad won't get up?"
Tula ran sobbing into her mother's arms, "Dad---dad, he---he left and said he won't be back. He--he's found someone he loves more than us! He,--he was too damned ashame to face me and say good-bye !
Tula's mom pushed her away at arm's length, "Tully, have you had another bad dream?"
"No, no, mom! It's real ! It's the truth !"
Tula ran sobbing to her room and slammed the door behind her. Her mom talked to her through the closed door,"Tully, honey, I've been dreading this day for some time now. Recently your dad has advoided my eyes and not looked me straight in the face. I--I should have known. I haven't told you, but he has been married twice before."
Tula in between sobs said,"Mom, mom, please go away and--and--don't come in. I don't want to say bad words to you."
Tula's mom walked sadly away back into the kitchen. She suddenly thought that she must call the school and notify someone that her daughter would not be coming to school. She blew her nose noisly and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. She picked up the phone. The school counsler answered. Hello, Mr. Swirlkirk , this is Mrs. Bathcom. My daughter, Tula, won't be coming to school today.? "Why, mrs Bathcom?"
"Ah---ah---ah, she is very upset. My husband left a 'dear daughter' note saying he was leaving and--and--and--"
"Oh, Mrs Bathcom! You don't have to explain. If, you don't mind, I'll be right over. It's another hour before school takes in."
Mr. Swirlkirk hung up before she would say anything else. She hurriedly put on a pot of coffee, hoping it would calm her .
About twenty minutes Mr Swirlkirk knocked at the door. He offered apologies for ending the phone conversation so hurriedly. He nervously took the cup of coffee , sipped it and said, " Fine tea you've made."
Mrs. Bathcom said, "Excuse me. I'll tell Tully you are here. "
"No,No,no, let me go with you to her room. After all Tully and I have become good friends."
Mrs. Bathcom looked at Mr. Swirlkirk in a sidewards glance. She didn't like the tone of his voice when he said 'good friends'.