Professor Monroe wrote another chemical equation, as the lab echoed with the hiss of flames being switched on. Mary stared into the hot glow and was once again accosted with the reek of her mother’s burning flesh.
Her father hadn’t cried at the funeral and his emotionless state continued. She knew he blamed her and wished he’d get angry…yell…something…but he simply never mentioned that day or her mother again.
“MARY!”
Someone jerked her away from the flame that had scorched her right hand.
An hour later, hand bandaged, she was sitting in the principal’s office with her father.
“Did you do this on purpose?” he asked softly.
Mary looked up.
“I…no…I just…didn’t feel anything,” she stopped, knowing how ridiculous this must sound, but she actually hadn’t felt the flame burning her hand…she just didn’t know why.
Suddenly, her father reached over, hugged her tightly and started crying.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“I’m sorry too.” Tears trickled down Mary’s face. “It was my fault.”
“No! It was an accident!” he held her firmly by the shoulders, “Do you hear me sweetheart? It was not your fault!”
She collapsed into his arms, sobbing but grateful. She’d got her Dad back.
A moving end to the story. Loss affects people in different ways and they often believe themselves to blame, even going as far as to find something they can cling onto that they feel will make them the cause.
A very good and emotional story,.
Thank you so much! Yes, when it comes to such tragic situations, a person can easily hold himself responsible…not easy letting go!
Wow. This is a really powerful story.
Thanks a lot for reading! ☺
Moving story. I like how you brought the circle of the story to a close.
Thank you! Glad you liked it! ☺
The grief, the pain, and the tragedy of this family’s life is brought to the surface of this story amazingly. I love that this story actually wrapped up in a hopeful way as well.
Thank you so much! So glad you liked it! ☺
Yikes, talk about feeling so emotionally dead inside you don’t feel that flame burning your hand. Poor girl. And the smell of burning flesh, her Moms, that would gaunt one forever. I’m glad her father believed her,knew it wasn’t her fault. Hope her hands not completely warped.
It must be horrible living with such guilt! Thanks for your comment!
So poignant and well-written!
Thank you so much! 😊
You’re welcome. 😊
Just superb!
Thank you so much!
Reblogged this on REINVENTIONS BY REENA and commented:
The emotions that drive people….
Many thanks! ☺