Last Stand

“You’re drunk again aren’t you.” Her voice reverberated around the room. Around his head. He waved her off, his hand a blur in front of his eyes. Wedding ring dazzling like a luminescent light. Maybe I am drunk, he thought.

“John I’m sick of this, I can’t do it anymore.” She made to grab her purse – I’ll leave, I’ll go to Diane’s - when she heard something, a sneeze. It came from behind the couch. Frowning she peered over the back of the soft fabric. There she saw Abigail curled into a ball peering up at her, face a picture of sadness.

She moved when she saw her mother’s shadow above her.

“Abby, what are you doing honey?” Jennifer began to pull her daughter up and over the back of the sofa, setting her on the cushion.

The girl held up her hand, “I snapped a fingernail. It hurts.”

Jennifer saw how far back it hand bent. She took Abigail’s hand and kissed her finger, “All better?”

Abigail nodded. “Mommy?”

“What honey?”

“Are you leaving daddy?” Abigail looked at Jennifer with her puppy-dog-eyes.

Jennifer gazed at her daughter, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Please don’t go, he doesn’t mean it.” Abigail continued. She shook her head, blonde curly hair bouncing around. Little princess.

Jennifer glanced at John who looked almost sorry through his blurry, bloodshot eyes.

“Jen, please don’t go,” He pleaded. “I’ll change. I’ll stop drinking.” He looked sincere.

Jennifer sighed. Could she trust him? Could she give him another chance?

She looked away from her husband, at her daughter, the light in her life and saw a smile begin to creep onto Abigail’s face. “I’m not going anywhere honey.” She pulled Abigail close and hugged her.



Word Count: 288