A Debt Unpaid (Original)

Walter

It took my brain a couple more minutes to register the fact. Another couple more to realize it was true.

I raised my right hand, and felt the tenderness of my cheek. Adding pressure made it sting a bit, so I didn't do it more than once.

On the corner of my eye, I still saw Angeline's mother. Her eyes stared intently onto me, her hands clenched into fists, ready to throw a punch at me, if ever.

I told myself to keep my guard up.

"You..." she said with great anger in her voice, "after all you've done...haven't you had enough?" Angeline's mom, standing in front of me, told me.

"Bu-but, I didn't mean to do anythi-"

*pack*

Again, another slap.

"Don't you dare say anything! Not another word!" She threw those words onto me, leaning in closer.

Her eyes, now at point blank, I could see another expression in them.

Past the coldness and the anger, there was...worry.

I couldn't take it, and looked downcast, staring at my black leather shoes.

"You have taken away her childhood, and you plan to take away her college years as well?"

When I saw her feet shift, I looked up, and saw her start to walk away.

I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out.

".....ah...i....di....."

I tried, but they kept clogging up, chocking at my throat.

I tried harder, and one word came out.

"...Sorry!"

She stopped, mid pace.

"...don't think that a sorry would take away those painful memories you've made....nothing you say ever will..." she said to, before walking off out of the gate.

(︶︹︺)

Later that night, I lay on my bed.

Looking only at the dark ceiling above, I held the little key up to the light above me...

Memories of this afternoon came back.

I closed my eyes, and I let them flow....

Just after Angeline's mom left, I just stood there.

My mind, still a bit confused, unable to process all the new information crammed up into my mind.

My nerves started to calm at this time, and I started to move again.

Looking at my palms, I saw how pale they've gotten. Pale, and sweaty

"Don't think a sorry would take away those painful memories..."

"....nothing you say ever will..."

Her mom's voice still rang in my head, as the feeling started to sink in.

But, only then, did my memory suddenly recalled something. I hoped I was wrong, and dug into my pocket.

At first, nothing, but when I felt something small and metallic, I knew it was true.

I pulled it out, and just stared at the small silver key on my palm.

And, somehow, I felt something creep up inside of me...

Something called hope.

I have no idea if it's called fate, or second chances...