SNAP

CHAPTER FOUR: POP

Josey sat in her bathtub quietly. She cleaned her naked body slowly with soap.

She felt numb. The warm water didn't seem to help at all.

The soap left white bubbles on her skin. They slowly traveled down her body to the bath water. She watched them go like she was watching a movie. The thought of looking away and facing the world around scared her.

There was a knock on her restroom door.

“Sweety, it’s dad. Are you doing ok?” Kevin leaned up against the bathroom entrance.

“Yes.” That was the only thing Josey could get out.

“Ok sweety, just, come out when your ready. Your mother and I would like to talk to you.”

There was no response.

“Ok, see you in a little while.” Kevin walked away from the door. He went down the stairs into the kitchen.

His wife sat at the kitchen table pondering. She barely noticed his entrance.

Kevin sat down in the chair farthest away from her. He sighed and looked at the floor.

Deborah looked up at him.

He sat quietly.

“Did you tell her?” She sat up slightly.

“I did.” Kevin crossed his arms. “Do you…” He shook his head.

“What Kevin?” Deborah closed her eyes and put her head down.

“Do you really think this is such a good idea?” He looked at her. “Josey is dealing with enough right now. Heck, we’re dealing with enough right now.”

“We have to be honest with her Kevin. We can't hide this forever. Toby’s death is really just the icing on top.” Deborah pulled her head back up.

“Watch what you say Deborah! Toby’s death is worse than anything else. If anything, this is the icing on top.” Kevin said aggressively.

“Oh, shut up Kevin, it doesn't matter which is worse. Both are horrible.” She sat up completely. “Whether Toby died or not, we’d still be getting a divorce.”

“How heartless can you b-” Kevin tried to get out, but didn't get to finish.

“What?” Josey stood in a towel in the doorway of the kitchen.

“Oh no. Josey sweety.” Kevin stood up.

“You guys are… you guys are getting divorced?” She started to tear up quickly.

“Look what you've done Deborah.” Kevin walked over to Josey.

Josey just shook her head and ran upstairs.

Kevin ran after her.

Deborah looked away and put her head back down. She was too broken to feel anything right now. Especially for someone else.

Josey slammed her bedroom door behind her and locked it.

Kevin ran up and knocked on her entrance. “Sweety! Let me in! We have to talk!”

Josey slid down the door with her hands on her face, crying.

“Josey!” Kevin called for her.

“Just go away!” She yelled back.

“No Josey, I'm not going anywhere.” Kevin leaned on the door with tears in his eyes. “Please talk to me Josey.”