Shona

Shona

Rain pounds the tin roof. I think that was thunder. Audible even over the V8. And I'm

sweating to death. Like a whore in church. That's how she says it. Sweating to death; that's

funny.

My shirt clings from sweat. Pinstripe shirt as she prefers. Leaning back, clenching the

wheel. My gut touches it now. So many years lost: wasted. I want a window opened. Its

too late for that. The windows are sealed shut. My arms feel so heavy. They surrender to

the leather. Memories are in these seats. A connection to better days. She never

understood keeping Shona. Both of us gone together. Two birds with one stone.

I've tried to be strong. Tried to swallow my pills. Talk away the lingering suffocation.

Nothing takes away the taste. Can't wash out my mouth. I've gone through the motions.

Did what I was told. Numbed myself to the pain. Death's potentent medicine is strong.

More than I really need. Nothing else has cured me. Can't stop living without death.

She'll find the note there. On the bedside table frame. On point to the backyard. I wrote it

all down. Gave clear instructions and directions. A map to new life. Explained the release

in preparations. The clarity in my decision. She'll find me here after. I hope I am smiling.

This car seems so small. Maybe she won't be mad. I did this for her. She'll see why very

soon. The rumbling engine is soothing. I feel sleepy: I'm drifting. It hurts more than

expected.