Death Stings

“I think he blames me. I see it in his eyes. He barely looks at me these days; he’s just always up there in his study; he never comes down and barely touches the food I send to him. When Katrina brings it back, it’s just the same.”

“I am really sorry.” Rhys sighed. He knew the pain of loss himself and how close it could drive you to the edge.

The woman closed her eyes and squeezed Sophie’s hand, which she had been holding tight. Rhys’ eyes did not miss the action.

She stood to her feet. “Please excuse me. I feel like a mess.”

Sophie looked at him pointedly, and he shrugged.

***

Jack had seen the visitors approach his house before he went into his study and heard his wife invite them in. Then he had begun to hear his wife’s voice, but not the words; he could tell from the way she sniffled in between words that she was crying. Again.

Perhaps she was telling them of the animal attack. The story that he had created. He hated to see his wife cry; it clawed at his insides, and s