"It can't get any worse man, just ring the bell," he thought. The sound echoed through the house and soon after he heard her voice.
"Jacob, can you see who is at the door, sweetie?"
"Yes, Mama." His breath caught in his throat as a child ran to the screen door.
"May I ask what you want," the little boy said startling him.
"I was wondering if I could speak to your Mom. I went to school with her a little while ago." He hadn't heard Josh walk up behind him.
"It's okay, Jacob, you can let him inside."
"Josh," he said spinning around, "I wasn't expecting you to be here."
"Which is why you came, I would assume?"
"He's beautiful, Josh...he looks just like you and Karenza."
"Look, you're here to speak to my wife, correct? She's in the sunroom with Anthony, or at least she should be. Apologize to her first and then we'll work on us, okay?"
"Sure thing, Josh." They both walked into the house and followed Jacob down a short hallway.
"Josh, is that you?"
"I'm here, Karrie, but you have a visitor. Would you like me to take Anthony?"
"No," she said adjusting the blanket over her son and her exposed chest, "he's not done feeding yet. Who's here?" He cringed because Karenza was staring right at him.
"It's me, Karebear."
"Justin............"
"Jacob and I will go start dinner. If you need anything I'll be right down the hall." Justin sat down across from her and for a few minutes, the silence was deafening.
"What are you doing here, Justin?"
"I came to see how you and Josh were doing. How you were handling things."
"Well...about as good as a blind painter and mother can do things, I'd say. How have you been?"
"Karenza, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Not a day has gone by that I don't feel regret."
"I don't want your pity. I'm doing just fine. Yes, I know you're sorry, but is it for the right reasons?"
"I made a stupid decision that night, Karebear. I should never have gotten into the car. I was so drunk and even you pleading with me couldn't stop me. It should have been me, Karebear."
"Justin, I'm just as much to blame as you are. I could have gotten out of the car before you turned it on, but I didn't. I've learned to accept what happened. No, I never have nor will I ever see my children. Yes, I had to learn to paint again. Yes, I miss being able to look Josh in the eyes when we are alone together, when he tells me how much he loves me. But I wouldn't change one second of my life because that accident brought Josh and I closer together. You veering off the road and into that tree was an accident. The passenger window shattering and the glass getting in my eyes was an accident. I've learned to appreciate other things in life more because it happened."
"Why don't you hate me, Karebear? I hated me until I got help for my drinking. Being sober for two years is what gave me the courage to come see you."
"Would it really be easier for you if I hated you, Justin? Accept that you made a mistake and tell me you're truly sorry and I'll believe you."
"I know I made a mistake and I'm incredibly sorry, Karebear. I just don't understand how you can forgive me. You almost died because I was a stupid asshole."
"I'm forgiving you, Justin, because we're none of us perfect."
Back to Shorts Stories
Back to the Den