Page 24 of Cedarwood Cabin

I spring up and dash across the room to the sink, gripping at the edge as I vomit. Nancy follows and holds my hair, rubbing my back. My sobs grow less loud and develop into whimpers. Nancy says nothing, remaining with me.

As the nausea starts to subside, I twist on the faucet and splash the cool water onto my face. Nancy passes me a towel and I pat my face dry.

“I’m here,” Nancy says softly, pulling me in for a hug.

The officers approach us. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out,” the other officer says.

I find it impossible to speak so Nancy steps in. “Thank you, officers,” she says in a strong voice.

As they leave, I cling to Nancy. He didn’t hear me say I loved him this morning.

“He went to work thinking I hated him,” I say in a croaky voice.

Nancy places her chin on my head as she tightens her embrace. “No, no. Don’t say that. He loved you so much, Flora.”

“But our last words were so angry…I told him I hated him.”

“He knew you didn’t mean it. Parents understand that sometimes we say things in the heat of the moment. He knew you loved him and he loved you with all his heart.”

“I should have said I loved him when he left. I should have…” My voice trails off.

Suddenly, the door flings open and Marty rushes through.

“I heard…I heard,” he says quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

Unaware of the complicated events between Marty and me, Nancy gently pushes me towards him. Stumbling towards him, my legs feel like lead. Marty catches me in his arms and he holds me. Despite earlier events, I find myself leaning into him.

“Flora, I am so sorry,” Marty says as Nancy steps back, giving us some space.

Marty strokes my back in a soothing motion. “I’m here for you, Flora. Whatever you need, I’m here,” he states in a reassuring tone.

I nod against his chest and a numb feeling washes over me.

Nancy leans against the kitchen table and says, “I will help with the funeral and anything else you need.”

Still holding me in his embrace, Marty says, “If you want, I can stay here and look after you.”

No. Hell no. What, so he can try and take my virginity when I am most vulnerable?

Nancy nods in agreement. “That’s a good idea. You shouldn’t be alone right now, Flora,” she says in a gentle voice.

“No...No…I’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure?” Marty asks in a concerned whisper.

I pull back from Marty’s embrace. “Yes…I just need some alone time.”

Nancy steps forward, her voice filled with empathy. “We just want to ensure you’re not going through this alone.”

“I know,” I utter.

Marty and Nancy share worried glances, but choose to respect my decision.

“Alright, but remember, if you need anything, Flora, anything at all…” Marty says sincerely.

I nod and feel a wave of gratitude for their support.

Marty gives me one last squeeze and I nod to Nancy. They leave me in the quiet of my home. As the door closes, I feel empty. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. I sit at the kitchen table in the silence of the house. I snatch a glass and throw it at the cupboard. The glass shatters into pieces, my heart pounding as the shards scatter across the floor.

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