Afflicted

“I can't do it,” she croaked, tears overflowing suddenly. “Don't make me do it baby…” She descended into sobs, clawing at her face with dirty fingernails.

I wanted to yell at her, make her see what he had been and demand she dance on his grave like I wanted to. With a wrench of will I forced one word to pass between my lips, hating the bitter taste of it as it worked its way up my throat. “Fine.”

I turned my back on her and stormed from the house, not wanting to see any gratitude in her eyes. She'd be lucky if I didn't toss him in the river on my way back home.

I hurled the door closed behind me, making it rattle on old hinges.

I let a yell escape me as I turned and slammed my fist into the door. The wood splintered around my knuckles sending a crack shooting down its centre and leaving an indent as I pulled back.

I forced a deep breath, refusing to let my rage consume me as I turned away and hurried down the steps.

I felt a familiar tug to race through the gap in the hedges and seek shelter next door. Old habits must die hard. I glanced up at the house where Katy’s window looked back down at me and felt a small wave of calm wash through me. It wasn't enough to stop the blood pounding in my ears but it helped.

Adrenaline thrummed though my veins, demanding a release. If I had a choice I'd find a sparring opponent to get in the ring with. As I didn't, I started running instead.

The miles pounded away beneath my feet as I concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and pressed my swirling emotions to the back of my mind. I took a roundabout journey to the park, making sure I got a good workout before stopping to collect some bottled water.

I stopped at the back of the line, catching my breath as sweat glistened on my skin. I pulled my shirt off, letting the slight breeze cool me as I waited my turn.

There were several people in purple shirts handing out the packs of bottled water and as I reached the front of the queue a girl stepped forward to pass me a pack. She had dark skin and braids which were twisted with blue thread. She was wearing shorts which showed off her long legs and had tied a knot in the purple shirt, revealing her toned stomach.

She paused as she caught sight of me, letting her eyes drop to my bare chest before swerving back up to meet my gaze. I gave her a wide smile which she couldn't help but return as she handed the water over.

“Been for a run?” she asked, letting her fingers brush mine as I took the heavy pack of bottles and lifted them onto my shoulder.

“It's a nice day for it,” I replied with a nod. She was pretty and when she smiled her eyes danced with hidden laughter.

“I'm hoping to get out when I finish my shift. Take a few laps around the park while the sun’s still shining.” One of her colleagues gave her an annoyed glare as he continued handing out water to the rest of the queue but she either didn't notice or didn't care.

“It's a nice place for it. I should really come down here more often while I'm in town.” I wondered if I should ask her out. I wasn't going to be here very long but that didn't mean I shouldn't have any fun while I was here. And it'd be a nice distraction.

“You should,” she agreed, smiling wider as she saw where the conversation was headed. “Maybe you could join me later?”

“Heads up!” a guy yelled and I glanced up just as a football came slamming down in the middle of the water bottles.

The girl jumped a little, her smile dropping in fright.

“Sorry!” the guy yelled as he ran to retrieve his ball. He was tall and blonde, all smiles and apologies as he weaved between the crowd and bottles to find the ball.

“Spencer!” another boy shouted from the park as he raised his hands.

Spencer grabbed the ball and launched it back to the other boy who caught it neatly and ran back to the rest of his friends. As I watched, I suddenly spotted Katy. She was laughing with her friends as she ate an ice cream. The sun gleamed off of her long, dark hair as she tossed it over her shoulder.

“So will I see you later?” the girl asked, jolting me back to my surroundings.

“Oh, maybe,” I agreed vaguely as I turned away from her.

I glanced back across the park where Katy and her friends were still playing. It made me feel strangely sad. I'd never really had any time like that, carefree with my friends and endless possibilities ahead of me. I was weirdly tempted to take her up on her earlier offer and join them.

I shook my head as I dismissed the idea and headed away down the street. I needed to drop the water back to the house before going into town. If I wasn't careful I'd end up being late to met with Kai.

By the time I made it into town, collected my truck and picked up the groceries, I knew I was going to be late.

I had one more stop to make before meeting Kai and I couldn't put it off any longer.

I pulled up outside the funeral parlour, letting my truck’s engine idle. I was pleased to hear that the annoying ticking sound had stopped since its trip to the shop.

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, frowning up at the black and gold shopfront. ‘Hoffman and Sons’ was scrawled across the sign. I wondered if I'd be meeting Mr Hoffman or one of the sons. With a sigh, I shut off the engine and got out of my truck, locking it behind me.