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.

dad got shot so she should be arriving soon. She still doesn’t know

affects him. The warmth he provided just a few minutes

figured” I mumble because what else is there

doubt she would want to be in the same vicinity as me given

give her space” mother adds, wiping the

you’re

betrayal. I won’t let you do that again especially now that your father is no longer with us and we need

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

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

I stand up and leave. I needed fresh air. I needed

eyes but I refuse to let them fall. What am I even doing here? Why did she bother calling me if she feels like she

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

nurse appears scaring the shit out

after calming down

viewing the body” she softly tells me, probably trying to be mindful

just give me a

make 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

little family. They would no longer have to put up with me like they have

the morgue. By the

so at peace. Kind of like he does when he is asleep. You would think that he is just resting. Instead

father” I tell

give him one last look before leaving the cold room. I shake off the heaviness that settles over my heart knowing he wasn’t the only one I would be saying goodbye to. They would never love me. It was time I