Ex-Husband’s Regret by Evelyn M.M

3. Emma’s back

I sat on the cold hospital chair breathing in then out. Mother was still sobbing and she couldn’t be consoled. My heart broke for her. I understand it isn’t easy losing the man you love in such an unexpected way.

It was still a shock. I expected him to make a full recovery but now he was dead and I had no idea how to feel.

We never saw eye to eye and even though he hated me. I loved him. He was after all my father so how could I not love him?

“You okay?” Rowan asks sitting down beside me.

He arrived about an hour ago and this is the first time he talked to me since he came. I didn’t know what to do with the concern he was showing. After all he has never taken my feelings into consideration before.

“Yeah” I manage to say.

I haven’t shed a tear since we were given the news. Maybe it was belated shock or maybe I ran out of tears for him. Right now I was doing all I could to stay afloat since everyone else was breaking down.

I see feet in my peripheral vision and when I look up I find Travis staring at me. Just like always there isn’t a flicker of warmth in his eyes when he looks at me. I know what I did was a wrong but I haven’t I paid enough for that night?

“What?” I ask him.

got shot so she should be arriving soon. She still

air. That’s the only indication I need to know that her name still affects him. The warmth he provided just a few minutes ago turns cold and I know that once

what else is

in years. I doubt she would want to be in the same vicinity

to be cordial and give her space” mother adds, wiping the tears from her

you know what you’re

years ago with your betrayal. I won’t let you do that again especially now that your father is

keep throwing the past in my face. Haven’t I already paid enough for the actions I took when I was young and foolish? Yet

case you’ve forgotten I’m also your daughter or am

I stand up and leave. I needed fresh

breathe in the cold air. Tears sting my eyes but I refuse to let them fall. What am

and they didn’t consider me as one of their own too. I should just leave and forget about them just like they seem to

a nurse appears scaring the shit out of

after calming down my erratic

body” she softly tells me, probably trying to be

just give

my decision. Despite his neglect, he still provided for me so I owe him. With that, I make a decision. I would give him a proper burial, then after that I would wash my hands

no longer have to put up with me like

the direction to the morgue. By the time

slab. He looks so at peace. Kind of like he does when he is asleep. You would think that he is

I tell

look before leaving the cold room. I shake off the heaviness that settles over my heart knowing he wasn’t the only one