Page 74 of The Widower
Those few words gave way to a hard, shaking sob that lasted minutes. There’s so much I want to say, but no one’s listening. I was abandoned by everyone—and I made sure of it.
“You know… I met a cheerful little girl. I think you two would’ve been good friends—I’d have practically forced you to spend time with her,” I said, smiling as I wiped at my face. “Her name’s Hanna, but she’s your opposite in a lot of ways. Even so, I like her. Even when she gets in my way a little, I don’t feel angry having her around.”
I remembered Maddison running through the mansion. We used to play hide-and-seek, and we spent so much time together. It was one more excuse to be with my kids, since Joshua was always there too.
The two of them were inseparable, and now I can see clearly what Maddison’s death did to my son. He hasn’t opened up to anyone since, and he still can’t accept that his little sister is gone.
Maddison wasn’t yet three when Joshua turned five. Right before he blew out the candles, I told him to make a wish first, then blow.A moment later, every flame was out, and he looked at me, beaming.I remember that day like it was yesterday…
“Did you make your wish?”I asked once all the candles were out.
“Yes, Daddy.”
“That’s good, son.”
“I wished I’d grow up fast so I can protect my sister from bad men. Forever.”
I looked at Joshua, and pride swelled in my chest at hearing something so deep and beautiful come from someone so young.
“You didn’t have to tell me, but I’m proud of you for thinking of your sister.”
A few seconds later, he was in my arms. I fought hard not to cry—when it came to my kids, I could never hold it in for long.
“Can I hug you guys too, Daddy?”Maddison asked, clearly a little jealous about being left out.
I smiled, wrapping my arms around both of them.
Thank God for this—my blessed, happy family.
Beside my daughter’s grave lies hers.
Jeniffer...
I had nothing left to say to my late wife. Even calling her that—late wife—felt strange to me, though anyone who knew my story would understand why.
“I never should’ve agreed to have you buried next to her. You don’t deserve the daughter you had.”
All I could feel was hatred—burning, heavy hatred. And that was my cue to leave the cemetery, because Maddison didn’t deserve to share the space in my heart with so much anger.
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
I daydreamed about Colin.
It’s wrong—I know it is.Thinking this much about a man who’s clearly unavailable never ends well.
Maybe that’s not even the right way to say it. Colin’s single, sure, but deep down I know he’s not the kind of man who’d ever let anyone invade what little space he keeps for himself.
I’ll admit, waking up in his bed startled me. I was mortified—I couldn’t even remember when I’d fallen asleep. Not wanting to test his patience, I slipped out of his room as quietly as I could.
Now I’m working, and I haven’t seen Colin all morning—or even early afternoon.
I’ve gotten used to his absence, to the way he isolates himself from everyone in the house.
As I walked toward one of the rooms, I saw him coming from the opposite direction.
My heart started pounding—don’t ask me why. I felt like some lovesick teenager, which is ridiculous for a woman like me.
“Do you need anything?” I asked, smiling as we crossed paths.
