As Grief Holds

As the sun beckoned its leave, the last ray shone upon David's face waking him up. He groaned on the couch, yawned as he stretched in position. The smell of curry drew him to the kitchen, where there stood Cassandra over a pot slowly turning the ingredients with a ladle. He crept slowly behind her then gently put his hands on her waist.

-Did I scare you?- He asked, pulling her closer.

-No, I already knew you were there.- she leaned her head onto his chin but did not stop.

-How long?-

- It will not be long till you join me dear, have some patience.-

-I rather not.- he turned her, she let go of the ladle as it rested on the side. He looked into her hazel eyes, she blushed and tried to push him away but he only pulled closer. She had never been strong against him.

-Let me finish cooking dear.- he could not meet his eyes.

-I love you Cassandra.- silence, only the boiling ingredients could be heard.

-I love you too, but you need to move on.- his grip lessened and she turned around quickly. She put her face over the pot, closed her eyes then smiled, -It's ready, let me serve you. I hope the table is clear.-

-It is.- he waited as she served. He carried both the plates to the dining room.

-What is this?- she asked, her face beaming from the sight of the candles on the round diner table.

-I wanted to be a bit romantic, so I did this.- He put the plates on opposite sides of the table then rushed to pull the seat for Cassandra.

-You shouldn't have, it's all wasted on someone like me.-

-Absolutely not, you are worth every effort.- he sat down. They ate in silence for some time. He stopped to stare at her, she looked intoxicating by the candle light.

She cleared her throat. - How long have we been living in this house?-

-About twenty years together, that is. I brought you here immediately after our wedding. You were so happy.-

-Indeed I was. I was thinking about moving to a new place. I am getting tired of this house.-

-Absolutely not.- 

-Why?-

-It holds our memories, everything.-

-You should find new memories, it will help.- Silence, he went back to his food.

-Have you heard from Janet lately…-

Janet knocked on the dust infested door. It had been long since she saw David, and she was worried. Ever since his wife passed away, he seemed distant, from everyone and everything. The garden he had always religiously kept was now dried up. 

She heard steps coming closer and closer.

-Who is it?- the voice was weak, extremely weak. She curled her hand into a ball.

-It's me, Janet.- no response, but the door opened after a while.

-Speak of the devil.-

Janet inhaled sharply, then struggled to even breath. David looked like a ghost. His eyes were so far back into their sockets, every indent and structure of the skull could be perfectly seen. 

-Don't just stand there, come on in.- he took her by the hand, she could feel its coarseness. -I hope you like curry, that is the only thing we have right now.- 

There was no smell of food .

-Of course she'll love it dear, it's you who made it after all.- he spoke into the empty candle lit room. 

As he walked to the kitchen, Janet stood there. She could not move. seeing what her friend had been reduced to, she pursed her lips and held back her tears. 

-Come on Janet, time is ticking. It would be bad to walk out so late into the night.-

-I heard that bandits run amok at night, it would be safer if she left now with you in tow dear.- Cassandra said.

-Don't be ridiculous dear, I can't leave the house, not now.-

-But she will need protection, who knows what might happen to her out there.-

- I said no Cassandra.-

-David, are you okay?- Janet finally asked, he had been talking to himself for quite a while.

-Yes I am, now sit down before the food gets too cold.- there was nothing on the plate.

-You are not okay David.- Cassandra said.

-I am okay.- David gripped the chair he was pulling for Janet tighter.

-David,- Janet started, - I'm worried about you, everyone is.-

-And why would you be?- he scowled at her.- I am fine here.-

-No you aren't David, look at yours…-

-Shut up.-

-You should listen to her,- David shifted his glance to Cassandra, -You should move…-

-Shut up, shut UP, SHUT UUUUP!- there was silence. -Get out of my house, I need to talk with my wife.-

-David please…- He turned as he threw the chair at her, she ducked as it smashed into the wall.

-LEAVE!- it wasn't so much as a shout, it took the strength from him. He staggered to the floor. -Please leave.-

She nodded then silently left. She walked through the door, holding her breath. Her hands were shaking. As she looked back one more time at the house, she wondered how she could save him.