After Twilight

I watch a very long time from atop the stairs and wonder why he looks so sad. There are dark circles under his eyes, and lines crease his boyish face. He is staring at the laptop computer screen while seated in his favorite chair near the fireplace. The last remnants of day pass into dusk.

Descending the staircase, I am amazed at my gracefulness—like floating on air. This amuses me since the accident and the brief pain I suffered before the light at the end of a tunnel offered a ladder to the way home. Haunting voices had called my name. At first, I was dazzled by the light and then I saw Daddy and Aunt Marge. They said, “Welcome, sweet child. Join us for eternity.” No thank you. I didn't want to spend eternity with old Aunt Marge, who smelled of Shalimar, and Daddy, forever grumbling about this and that. There was still Cullen, young and vital, my love. So, I turned my back on the light.

After I cross the room, I wrap my arms around him. If I could only jump up and be cradled in his warmth, but he shivers out of my arms. He turns his back walking to the piano and picks up our wedding picture.

Cullen presses the silver-framed portrait to his chest and begins to weep. Tears stream down his face and he sobs. "Annie, Annie, Annie.”

I scream my list of joy, "I'm here. Look at me!” My words are soundless.

"I loved you so much!"

"I love you more. How do I make you hear me?" for I am here. "Why don't you look at me? Cullen, you act like I'm invisible," but he can't hear my words and sees straight through me.


Word Count: 299