The Widow

Scene 32 - Daddy will make it better

Scene 32 – Daddy will make it better

The tears stopped from falling somewhere between Kieran standing by the staircase asking Clara what was wrong and riding the car with Agent Palmer while Kieran pleaded to come with her.

She was numb, everything was on autopilot, she didn’t know what to do. Her heart, mind and soul demanded that this was all a nightmare; that she was going to wake up sweating and screaming but then that was better than this becoming her reality.

Her tracks stopped in front of the gray steel door, she stood there frozen not knowing what to do, she knew that if she pushed that door open, this nightmare would become her reality. She didn't want to push the door, she wanted to go back to their house, in their bed.

Agent Palmer stepped forward and pushed the door open. He stepped aside, his back on the door, “Ma’am?”

She felt Ian’s hand on her shoulder, nudging her, “Clara.”

She shook her head, she couldn’t do this, she didn’t want to. Her hands clutching to the necklace Aiden had given her for their fourth year anniversary.

“Clara, you need to do this.” Ian whispered in her ears, he squeezed her shoulder and pushed her forward.

She walked forward, her legs weakened as her hands dropped to her side. Her heart beat fast as she entered the cold room, she could feel the panic rising but she pushed forward. She didn't know where she got the courage and the energy to do so.

Tears fell as her gaze landed on top of the steel table. With trembling hands, she pulled the white coat covering the body, she heard a horrible sound, part gasp and scream, and maybe it came from her.

“Aiden.” Her hands going to his pale face, “Wake up.” She cried, “You can’t do this to me.” she shook his body, “Please.” She didn't care anyway so she buried her head on his chest, frantically shaking him, “Please wake up.”

She felt a hand on her shoulder, “Clara, it’s time to go.”

She brushed Ian aside and shook her head vehemently, “No. Aiden… he needs to wake up.” She cried, “He will wake up.”

“Clara.”

She raised her head, her hands cupping Aiden’s face, “Open your eyes please.”

“Clara, he’s dead.”

“NO!” she yelled, he wasn’t dead. He couldn’t be. He couldn’t leave her. No, he promised. Her legs weakened and she sunk to the floor, her hand finding Aiden’s hand, “Aiden, no. You can’t leave me.” she whispered, her sobs the only sound in the cold room.

Ian was embracing her, “Clara.”