Contemplation

Leonard

I paced the hospital corridor, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Anger, confusion, and a nagging sense of guilt warred within me as I replayed the events of the afternoon over and over again.

How could Claire have done something so reckless, so careless? Pushing Charlotte's wheelchair down that hill... it was unthinkable. Charlotte could have been seriously injured, or worse. The thought made my blood run cold.

And yet, a small voice in the back of my mind whispered that Claire had never been one for rash actions. In the five years of our marriage, she had always been the picture of patience and understanding, especially when it came to my relationship with Charlotte. She had never once complained or caused any trouble, accepting Charlotte's constant presence in our lives without a word...at least until recently.

So, what had changed? What could have possibly driven my normally calm, collected wife to act in such an inexplicable way?

I ran a hand through my hair, my