forgetting me

05

The Peterson Household
August 16th, 1985

The stars shone brilliantly overhead. William snuggled closer to his mother as a breeze blew through the backyard.

"It's getting late, Hanna," John called to his wife from inside the house. "William should get to sleep."

Hanna cradled her son closer.

"I think he can stay up a bit longer," she replied.

John didn't protest. His wife had been distant for the past couple of weeks, and it was nice to watch her and William sit together.

After a few more minutes of silence and watching the stars together, Hanna took a deep breath.

"Let's go in," she said.

William started to stand up, but Hanna grabbed his shoulders tightly before he could.

"I love you more than anything. You know that, right?"

"I know," William replied. "I love you, too."

Hanna nodded. "No matter what happens, I love you."

William nodded again. "I know, mom."

Her eyes softened and she pulled William into a tight hug. They both got up, and Hanna sent William to bed. She lingered outside of his door until his breathing turned steady, tears rolling down her cheeks.

John came up behind Hanna and hugged her tight.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice sincere.

Hanna shook her head. "Nothing." She stood there with his arms around her. "I love you."

John kissed the top of her head. "I love you, too. Now come on. It's late. Come to bed."

She nodded. "I'll be in soon."

But when William and John woke in the morning, Hanna was gone.