He didn't mean to kill her.
I crack open a beer and chug it.
The coo coo bird struck twelve, and I lost my mind.
He killed her on May 11, 2020. At exactly 11:59 pm.
I chug the rest of my beer. I slam a $5.00 bill on the bar counter.
"I'm off, Bill!"
I grab my coat off the bar stool. I start walking to the exit.
"Hey, tell the wife I said hello," Bill said behind the bar.
I stop frozen in my tracks and slowly look over my shoulder.
"Yeah, you bet!" I say, forcing a smile.
I push open the door and walk over to my F-150.
I shove the key in the door and twist it. I open the door and
get in the driver's seat.
He killed her.
"C'mon, it was one beer," I mumble
Karen glares at me angrily.
"I don't care if it was one sip!"
She put her hands on her hips
"We're expecting little Johnny soon!"
She rubs her protruding belly in circular motions.
"Do you need to start AA meetings again?"
I hold up my hand.
"No, Karen, I'm fine," I say quietly.
I look at her. She's so beautiful. Auburn hair, green eyes, and a kind heart. How could a man ever get so lucky?
"I'll do better," I tell her.
I chuckle to myself as I start the ignition. I back up and exit the bar parking lot. I turn on the main road and head to Link Hospital.
I enter the hospital parking lot and find a parking spot a few feet away.
I walk towards the large automatic doors. They open up, and the smell of cleaner hits my nose instantly.
I walk a few feet to the front desk. There's a lady typing from behind a computer.
"Where can I find the NICU?" I ask quietly.
"Third floor to the right," She murmurs With out looking away from her laptop. Her neat nails clacking away as she types.
I board the elevator and press the third floor. It dings as I exit.
I walk over to the large glass window.
Rows of babies, and I still spot him immediately. He's wearing a red hat wrapped in a car blanket. I wave at him and force myself to smile.
YOU ARE READING
223,000 strikes of Paint
Short StoryA collection of thought-provoking short stories. Inspired by life's uniqueness and the ability to overcome difficulties. It takes many paint strokes to complete a painting, but only one to begin.
