Pretty Ruthless: Brighton High School Reunion by Em Torrey

Author:Em Torrey [Torrey, Em]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Claire

October 10, 2018

Abigail stands in the corner of the room waiting for me to finish so she can slide the metal slab back into the cold locker. My palms are sweaty and I feel like I’m overheating, even though it’s cold in here. My body shakes from the realization that he’s actually gone. The one person I had left in the world who fully supported everything I gave up to chase my dreams.

“I’m really sorry for your loss,” she says almost robotically, fidgeting with her fingers. I can hear her sweet tone, but to me, it’s like she doesn’t actually care. That’s my grandpa and she’s just standing there like it’s nothing to her. Rage and sadness are not a good combination. I hate that I feel this way, knowing he wouldn’t want me to feel like this.

“Thanks.” I reply, staring down at the one man in my life who was always there for me, no matter what. When I got the call yesterday afternoon I drove as fast as I could to say goodbye but by the time I got here he was already gone. I should have made more time to come back to see him. His face on my screen was never enough. I spoke to him all the time, but I can’t even remember the last time I hugged him.

Words like widowmaker and clogged artery flitted around the room of the hospital like a comic book bubble, I didn’t even know he had a heart issue, he never told me. Why wouldn’t he tell me, we told each other everything. That was the bargain him and I made so many years ago, the truth will set you free. His words rattle through my head, then why weren’t you truthful with me? I ask him silently, not that he can answer me now.

“He was a good man.” Abigail says, her voice pulling me from my internal spiral.

“He was.” I hate the way that sounds, the past tense, the after. The nevermore. He’s gone and I’ll never hear his voice again.

“Listen, I can give you like fifteen more minutes, we’re closing up for the night but if you need more time, I’ve got you.” She offers, even though I know it’s against the rules. I watch as she keeps her distance, almost like she’s nervous about something. Her dark hair pulled up into a tight bun as she rocks back and forth on her toes.

“Thank you Abigail, I appreciate that but I think it’s time to go.” She nods understandingly. I’m not sure how she does this, day after day. Watching people claim their loved ones, hanging out with the dead. I could never.

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