A One-Sided Conversation

Sometimes having the last word is not a victory at all

"This is important, Daniel!"

Daniel declined to comment on the actual import of the situation. In fact, as far as Sarah could tell, Daniel didn't appear to have a comment on anything.

"You promised me and the kids that we were going to Acapulco!" She wept with fury, glaring at his stoic expression. "You're a coward! You're leaving because you're a damn coward, and everybody knows it!"

Although Daniel still seemed unphased, others in the room demurred quietly.

Sarah looked around the room. So many of them were strangers. I'd rather they were all strangers, she thought. The rest of them, our friends and family—God how they're going to talk about this...! Her eyes locked on Haley, Daniel's little sister, who looked frightened and uncomfortable.

"You! Of all people, he would have listened to you!"

"That's enough." Surely Daniel would come to the rescue of Haley; but instead it was Uncle Pete. "This has nothing to do with Haley." He paused. "Of course you're upset, Sarah, but this is not the time for all this. This doesn't help you."

Sarah wailed, but no words came out, only sobs and tears of hurt, frustration, and anger.

Daniel, on the other hand, didn't even flinch.

The scream seemed to have exhausted Sarah. She looked at Haley with a silent apology; the younger girl winced, misunderstanding. Sarah turned back to Uncle Pete, who had officiated at the wedding in the first place. She whispered through tears and quieting sobs: "We were go-going to Alc-Alc-Alcapulco..."

Uncle Pete held her in his arms for a moment, then began to lead her toward the doors, sparing one last glance at his silent nephew. As they stepped outside, Pete turned once last time and nodded slightly, and the lid of the casket was gently closed.

(Word Count: 299)