“I’ll be leaving for the airport soon.”
“Ok. I’ll see you when you’re back.”
“Keith, should I reschedule my flight? At least it’s two days before the time. Are you sure you don’t want to come? I can…”
“No. Don’t worry. You can go. I‘ll just finish all I need to do.”
“But, she’s your daughter as well as mine. Don’t you think she deserves both of us there with her?”
“Look Sarah. I definitely know she’s my daughter, you don’t have to tell me that. I’m at a tight corner. I’m deeply engaged. Bad timing. I won’t be able to make it down.”
“So what do I tell her? So what do I say?”
“Just tell her I’ll chat her up. And please send my love to her. Well, we’ll definitely see her when she’s back.”
“Oh! Keith, please why are you doing this to yourself? Collins is likewise my son but we need to…”
“Please can we talk about that later. Bye.”
Sarah stands still and speechless for a while. She then pulls her luggage and heads for the airport.
“Oops! Sorry.”
“No problem.”

The man assists her to put her luggage in the overhead bin.

“Thank you so much.”
“No problem ma’am. It’s a pleasure.”
She takes her seat beside him.
“Ma’am you look anxious. Is this your first time? Spain is a nice place.”
“No. Not all. This is my second. The first time we were three on board. But, but one of us is gone. He’s taken a flight away.”
“Oh! Ma’am. So sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you.”

Collins had a fatal accident. He was about negotiating a bend when he collided with an oncoming vehicle. The driver was drunk and hallucinating. He was running away from the police.
If she had known. If she had had the premonition, she wouldn’t have allowed him go to the party. He had been on her neck. He said it was his first school party. Now Keith is finding it hard to come to terms with his death. All these she pondered.

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    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    A very moving story Thompson told through dialogue. We all deal with death in our own way and sometimes one person deals with it better than another, as the mother appears to do in your story. It doesn’t mean they care any less, it’s just their way of handling it. The last paragraph tells us that the mother is harbouring guilt for her son’s death and, ironically, is probably suffering more than… Read more »

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Thompson, I can’t much add to what Linda has said, death is always a difficult write. You managed to word this story bringing the reader in on all the emotions. Well done Thompson.

    Daisy Blacklock
    Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
    2 years ago

    This is such a touching story, dealing with a difficult issue. You have told the story brilliantly. She really shouldn’t blame herself, however many people do when tragic things like this occur.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    It’s always extremely hard for a married couple and their relationship when a child dies. I wish Keith and Sarah can find their way back to a good life together, and to be able to communicate with each other. You have a good way with dialogue, Thompson.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    It’s like a knife had pierced my heart as I read this story, Thompson. It is very difficult to lose a loved one, especially if it is your child. As Christer said, I do wish also that Sarah and Keith will find their way to be good together despite this very tragic event in their relationship.

    Last edited 2 years ago by Lotchie Carmelo
    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    No parent should ever have to see a child die, but sadly it happens and can be very difficult to come to terms with, often completely destroying a family unit. The mother in your story seems to be the strong one. Lets hope she can bring the family back together for the sake of their daughter. Well done.

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