Ring.... Ring.... Ring....
"Is Marabelle available?"
"Speaking..."
"This is Captian Spencer with the Soda Springs Police Department. I'm afraid that I have some bad news. Can you meet me down at the station to speak?"
"I'm awful busy today. What is this concerning?"
"Ma'am, I don't think you want to discuss this matter with a telephone call. Would you be more comfortable if I came to you?"
"I suppose if it can't wait. I will be home pretty much all day so just stop by."
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Knock, knock, knock...
"Mommy, someone is at the door!"
"Ok dear, I'm coming."
I hope this isn't about my parking tickets. I know I have quite a few but I don't think I have missed any court dates for them...
"Captian Spencer I presume?"
"May I come in?"
"Certainly. The living room is this way. Can I get you something to drink? Water, coffee, Dr. Pepper?"
"No thank you ma'am. I'd rather get right down to the matter. If you could please have a seat with me so we can talk."
Nervously, Marabelle sat down. She still wasn't quite sure what this was all about. She nor her husband have ever been in any kind of trouble. Maybe this was about Stormie. At 16 years old she is awful rebellious. Trying to remain calm, hoping that it had nothing to do with her daughter, she sat down on the love seat across from the wooden rocking chair that occupied the Captain.
"There was an accident today on Interstate 30. A semi was headed west and something happened causing an explosion on the tanker he was pulling. We have yet to determine the cause of the explosion. Travelling in the east bound lane, I'm assuming heading to work, was your husband. The explosion happened just as he was passing the tanker and caused his car to catch fire and explode as well moments later. We are assuming that it was your husband since the car was registered to his name. When you are able, we need you to come down to the station to identify his body."
Marabelle sat there in quiet discontent. Could what the Captain be saying really be true? This had to be a pratical joke. Dale was at work right now no doubt hating his boss for piling on extra work today. This couldn't be happening. What would happen to her? What would happen to thier children? Stormie may take this hard, but Anastasia would be shattered. Nine years old and daddys little girl. They were wrapped around each others fingers. What would become of their family?
"Mommy?"
"Anastasia, what is it honey?"
"Is daddy really gone?"
"Honey, I think he might be. I think daddy's gone."
Marabelle lost it. Sobbing uncontrollably, she sent Anastasia out of the room.
Anastasia was so scared. She had been listening to the entire conversation. Confused and unsure of what was happening she just had to find out for sure if it was true. It couldn't be. Just this morning daddy promised to take her to the movies to see Wreck It Ralph. Who would take her now? Who would tuck her in at night and read her bedtime stories? Who would play hide and seek?
Ana
"Daddy? Is that you?"
Don't be afraid dear. Everything is fine.
