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.

called Emma when dad got shot so she should be arriving soon. She still

sharp intake of 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

I mumble because what else is

to her in years. I doubt she would want to be in the same vicinity as me given how much she

her space” mother adds, wiping the tears from

what you’re asking

your betrayal. I won’t let you do

they keep throwing the past in my face. Haven’t I already paid enough for the actions I took when I was

your daughter or am

her the chance to answer. I stand up and leave. I needed

the cold air. Tears sting my eyes but I refuse to let them fall. What am I even doing here? Why did she bother calling

back. After all, I never considered myself part of their family and they didn’t consider me as one of their own too. I should just leave

nurse appears scaring the shit out

head after calming down

softly tells me, probably trying to be mindful

just give me a

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

longer have to

the morgue. By the time

he does when he is

I

my heart knowing he wasn’t the only one I would be saying goodbye to. They would