Roommates

Epilogue

"That was a year ago," Susan said, shaking her head.

"That's quite a story," the old woman said her teacup cold in her hand.

"Yes, it is, isn't it. I should think someone should write it all down someday."

For a decade, the woman had not known whether her son was alive or dead. And he was still the same thoughtless and selfish boy. She had promised to steel her heart against her son. And yet, her she was holding him, stroking his hair, and promising him that, "Everything will be okay."

"Jonathan," she said, with their tears done for the moment. "Why did you finally leave Edmond?"

"Mom, I couldn't live that way anymore. He seemed so perfectly sane–so considerate–so in love. But I knew he'd killed. And I knew he would kill again–without remorse–when it seemed logical to him."

"I understand," his mother sighed. "It'd scare the Bejesus out of me just to think he might walk in on me one day and kill me just like that."

"No," Susan said, sounding very surprised. "Not me. He loved me in his way. As long as I played the dutiful wife."

"But then why?"

"Because of her."

"Her?"

"Her," Susan smiled, placing her palm on her little belly. She was barely showing. "Mom, I couldn't take the chance of him getting his hands on her."

"Poor, Darling," the old woman said, taking Susan in her arms. "You can stay here as long as you like."

"Thanks, mom. But its just till I have my baby then I'm off."

"Off? Whatever for?"

"I want you to raise her."

"But— "

Suddenly a shadow came over Susan's sunny face, like a dark cloud passing in front of the sun. "You see in my way I'm just like Edmond. Just as heartless... No. I'm not worried about him finding me."

Then she looked up and brightened. "What I am worried about is eating. You don't have any pickles and ice cream, do you?"