The Empty Space Next to Me

Chapter 7

One day Steve is working behind the house, sorting out old furniture and gardening equipment. Farther away, close to an oak tree, he catches sight of a gravestone, rather new and carefully maintained amidst the unkempt meadow.

He pus down the boxes and walks over to it. There are three-day-old white lilies lying on the top edge, and a small pot of flowers on each side. Standing in front of it, he reads the epitaph on the marble stone: "Robert Miller — Beloved Husband".

Small footsteps make the grass rustle behind him. Katherine is standing by his side with a stern expression. He stands still while feeling her presence, always perceptible and adequate.

"Eliza was among the Dusted," she begins, gazing at the grave. "Her husband waited for her. He never left the house, not a single day, hoping that someday she would return. They don't have any children. Only this mansion, and Riley. He died 8 months before the Second Snap."

His jaw clenches and he feels a slight lump in the throat. He heard many sad stories when he ran the therapy group during the five-year period, but this one affects him particularly. Perhaps because he has grown fond of Eliza; perhaps because her sad story isn't so different from his. He understands why Katherine said there were many sadder stories to be heard.

"When Eliza came back to this empty mansion, she thought it would be good to make it a guesthouse, fill it with life and company after it was silent and empty for so long."

Her eyes shift to look at him and she notices the hurt on his face, the compassion in his eyes. And it leaves her stunned.

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A couple of days later, on a bright but mild day as he is finishing painting the last layer on the porch railings, Katherine steps out of the house. She stands in the middle of the porch and smiles at him. She is wearing black jeans with a long-sleeved top.

"Just had a talk with Eliza. I told her you had your afternoon free."

He puts the pot of paint down on the square of fabric on the ground to avoid stains. "We're going somewhere?"

Her smile widens and her head nods in the direction of the Chevy. "Just come and find out."

And they get in the car.

After a ten-minute drive, they reach a big property with the airs of a ranch. Shortly after stepping out of the car, they are warmly greeted by a couple in their late fifties.

"Phil. Lorna. This is Steve. He works with me at Eliza's."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you." One says with a strong Southern accent while the other beams.

He shakes their hands before putting them in his pockets.

"Well, you know the way, Katherine. Just let us know if you need anything."

The woman leans in to kiss her cheek and they resume their chores. Next, Katherine takes him the opposite way to the large barn further down.

The large door is open and she takes the lead to walk inside.

She greets Jimmy, the young stable-boy in his twenties. He eyes Steve over his shoulder before answering hi.

"We're at the Dawsons," Steve says softly.

She turns around to flash a smile before heading in a routinely manner to one of the stables while he stands in the middle of the barn aisle.

"There, girl." He hears her say. And she steps out a few seconds later, gently holding the bridle to take the animal out. A majestic golden brown horse with ebony hair.