It was the morning of Halloween when Rhonda opened up her kitchen door, walked in and started cleaning. The boys had made a proper mess of things. Dishes were piled up, the margarine had been left on the counter and the bananas were so dotted with black and brown spots that they could barely be considered edible. And what was that horrible smell?copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn4CAimKdN52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5Z3J66KZx
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJMv4iQqAE
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6DD0UcRIF52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG79ZGr8Gcq
Rhonda sighed as she changed the garbage sack. There was a wicked crick in her neck and her back hurt. Such is the price of getting old she thought to herself. She took the trash out and threw it in the rubbish bin. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d263MSNaC52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8wecfki0k
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG3Cc8U2zv
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOZQqA8Nll52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfCRfjioZv
Mrs. Wiggins, from across the street, was doing the exact same thing. She had a gaggle of boys, too. Mrs. Wiggins was dressed in a baby blue bathrobe and slippers. She hadn't quite gotten her day going from the looks of it. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIsemt8zkR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeDlsPBN8C
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XibAujvxS
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡem4ht74lVe52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f8D6oWpMW
“Hello, Regina,” Rhonda said. “How’s Henry and Matthew?” Henry and Matthew were her two boys. They went to the same school as her Johnny, Mikey and Billy. They played football together and got on very well. So well that their families had spent many a summer day together having barbecues and swim sessions in the Wiggins’ pool. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH3YxtzFhU52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCayXDnzqw
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyutK4Y3zw
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RDu6ZXeyi52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAM4dTs9if
Much to her dismay, Mrs. Wiggins didn't return her cordial greeting. Mrs. Wiggins dropped the trash bag she was holding and it split open and spilled rubbish onto the sidewalk. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NFa48h8ud52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cRgKPT8ok
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzT93Dd1HN
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡntUrrrU07c52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDnkIBdbKv
Regina Wiggins whimpered and ran back into her house with a look of terror on her face. “How very rude,” Rhonda said, but then she thought better of it. “Don't be judgmental,” she muttered to herself.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡV83zC9yAo752Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQIi6t70Cv
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg5eq8REaz
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuVxEZGW8a52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIcP3Uqg5b
She remembered that Regina suffered from IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When she felt the need to run to the bathroom she had to go right away or an unfortunate accident was sure to follow. The IBS had taken it’s toll on her poor neighbor. Aged her prematurely. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vE3W5vR6C52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw1vO8YV9A
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruRxJhFAWQ
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31K7BnhaXG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nzmdCgDTm
Being the good neighbor that she was, Rhonda cleaned up the trash that Regina had spilled onto the sidewalk. She decided that she would bring Regina a nice cup of tea later and find out if she was all right. But not until she finished cleaning that dreadful kitchen.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPacnPc3Mk52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFSQbGZ9C8
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4DCBmUhXQ
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVQSZNYuF452Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86eHtrjK5c
She filled the sink with suds and water and began cleaning the dishes. Most of he kitchen had been put back in order, but there was still a dreadful smell coming from something. One of the boys had probably dropped a piece of fruit behind the trash can. It wasn't unusual. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I6RQHf8Rc52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6USZK4FKei
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYnvBZRvgO
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡO92ZmpOytA52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloVz6p1p96
The clinking and clanking from her cleaning of the dishes awoke her husband Eddie. Eddie walked into the kitchen and he paused at the door. He looked at Rhonda for what seemed an eternity, but was actually no more than a few seconds. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHwJAvxy0c52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf0veLzUvN
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoMAUnzLSQ
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7VJZLreTi52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAefwOmVQL4
The look on his face was one of bewilderment and worry. “Well hello to you, too, dear,” Rhonda said. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “Have a seat and I'll make you a bite.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIssHPSwnl52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWokXUyItte
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHC3hwqRij
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h3D1D9yba52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISyYonkkd6
Eddie stood there in his boxers and white tee shirt intently watching his wife of twenty seven years. His eyes were wide and his wispy, white hair was out of place. He took a step backwards. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOhFygrZul52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9vI7phPTL
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3asGdKdECv
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV3LoLAghY52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYloxjNUE78
“Sit down if you want some breakfast, Eddie,” Rhonda said again. Eddie took a step forward and paused. He took another sheepish step. “Sit down, you unusual man,” she instructed him again. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpfF3hicPu52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvifepFwey
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiIKZWucB7
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAjEfSVHSq52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAs57MS2q0
Eddie pulled a chair out and sat at the table. Eddie’s eyes never left Rhonda as she stepped over to him, bent down and kissed him on the forehead. Eddie’s brow wrinkled in horror and confusion.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bm6WKRx1952Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbwtqKS6h7
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzqmjpjOCV
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDyLjB2BOR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjvopDaiGB
Rhonda grabbed a skillet that she had just washed and sat it on the stove. She walked to the refrigerator and shook her head when she opened it. “My word,” she said. “I really need to go grocery shopping. It's as bare as bones in the ice box.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6brqQHjLpb52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRMOkdzdjR
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXqLkKbEyN
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsmyyjjpQk52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu74SxI3Po
She pulled out an egg carton and opened it. There were only two of them in it. Clicking her tongue, she took the two eggs and sat them next to the skillet. She ignited the burner and put a wee bit of olive oil into the skillet. Before long the two eggs were sizzling.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmX77gI9Sw52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8fqXzDxNX
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7UOTfy4T7
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZHtqxbJjA52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsCZxuwfym
“I would make you some toast, but it seems we are out of bread,” she said. Eddie watched her in silence. When the eggs were finished she dished them onto a plate and sat them in front of her husband. He just stared down at plate of eggs. Every now and then he would look up at his wife, who was now sitting across from him.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw2h5BBo1r52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcvSDssh0f
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeon9dgoMli
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAOGHVXp5Q52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdKwch1Jwz
“Well eat them,” she said with an annoyed tone. “Would a thank you and a good morning be too much to ask?”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7PDBfbMZv52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aMA2p3vH3
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWs85FpusK
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU2qc71Nw252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmXxSaPTTl
Eddie shook his head. “Thank you, dear,” he replied. “And good… good morning.” He picked up his fork and began to put small bites into his mouth. He chewed, but all the while he never took his eyes off of Rhonda. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeC3VjYSJ452Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYwfzzFC4m
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPj8YpOnTg
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFcyjNNuzN52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GD5dwf2p8
“I swear,” she said, “everyone has forgotten their manners today. It must have something to do with it being Halloween.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XH3nTaoGG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS7V8GuNjy
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZot7mSWJM
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVV2ZQmYI552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRsQWGmcJM
Eddie just nodded his head. The look of worry and confusion hadn't left his face. He took a few more bites of his egg. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rKeZ32NyC52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Fs3N9xAs
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LsueAQ7wz
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzziCWbNlS52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJqmzn2WAL
“Well what is on your mind?” she said to him. “I can see something is bothering you. Out with it then.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLOpOOgaMZ52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVUnnXawuL
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBxr5L1VTy
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOq03p45cD52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMhW8RkbNU
He sat his fork down and looked at her intently. “How?” he asked gingerly. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNch5PdhCy52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvPRTdO3Kj
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJUmb08dV1
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6kZw9NMkz52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqN3nWVH7I
“How?” Rhonda asked. “How what?”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAocBsCGyO52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5eqW7DLbn
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5170ni0wwV
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgCwxIlL0Y52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡximllKihrp
“How are you here right now?”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡka5FaBOXo852Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3vetrl7cx
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviyCiVViss
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaJVmkoY0W52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZKBl6lDnN
“What kind of question is that? I live here.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkcqQK8bv852Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nQyBjZXrc
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWu3zMYv5r
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQjfvtRkqf52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjqIULOgoc
“But, but…”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYpcUMxiKx52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rAT0bdZ9E
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEBGHatGGy
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡeySrYIc6UI52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ESxmNjb3I
“But nothing. I live here. What kind of question is that? I swear, Eddie, old age is finally getting to you. Making your mind soft.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4yyk41bos52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6aYZaacaj
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmXs2EDwkj
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRqQ3kCADn52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rYXZlKjwN
Eddie picked up his fork again and took another bite. He sat the fork back down on the plate. “I don't know what's going on right now.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RV0jTJv0D52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VUbTUl47w
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYSlrV04rk
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfILN2QPde52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowMmuMHe5e
“You are sitting with your wife having breakfast,” she said to him. “As pathetic of a breakfast it is. I apologize for letting the shopping lax.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE5Iu937JG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ269Xi3RE7Y
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavX2QoXQsp
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSypSRjBnj52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQWYdqKVFQ
“I'm the one who does the shopping now,” Eddie replied. “I don't keep much here. I eat out most nights.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAyXmm0cbe52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IXjFfnwTv
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv40s6RQ4Ij
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡruSwdnFgup52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTaqSnQCjw
Rhonda rolled her eyes and stood up. She walked over to the garbage can and looked behind it. “Do you smell that?” she asked. “It smells like something's gone rancid.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYhwnaoGLL52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtseqMTF9qz
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWDEoKwfOe
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01myZJVZW752Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi7JJ07ADq
She searched the kitchen for a few minutes. Her husband stared at her the whole time. His look of worry turned to one of wonder. Then his wonder turned to seriousness. His eyes hung on the floor while she searched for what was rotten. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnB6TOtz5X52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66TlwFebOF
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsBo708DfX
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2VgzjrX0d52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROgZyZZFAC
“I bet Mikey left a piece of fruit out,” she said. “It wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0e5zdPudL52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GIZ1eEgqs
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbVyA2yJFN
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr8dx210C752Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxCYwbYwQy
“Mikey doesn't live here anymore, babe,” Eddie answered. “None of the boys do.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBaTSJdjGd52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XfRWg5Bxw
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uIZ2j2A3I
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpeKvNYkib52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKf1IMcHi2
“Nonsense,” she replied.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UDe8agabS52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr0uiWLnxj
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCNDBPWEqZ
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9ur2magFR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOKCPtp1aH
“Mikey is off in college now,” he said. “Johnny is in the army and Billy is working at the DMV. He has a family of his own now.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡtchHWNvV7N52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p84Uq1GOz
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJbNmNDjr3
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dIKrRVI1652Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNR2qHvPJG
“Ha ha. Very funny,” she said with no amount of amusement in her voice. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡBif5KirVy752Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN6FS06THV
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHEEu1r7kS
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2j3JgRfbY52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCG3F6KbWu
“I'm telling you the truth, babe,” he said. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jcL3ECZnE52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtiX9aYf4F
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxmPcRQDYb
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YXl3HEvCd52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaNcdtjYFf
Rhonda grabbed the small pad that sat on top of the refrigerator and grabbed a pen. She started making a shopping list. “Is there anything you need from the market? Razors? A new toothbrush?” she asked. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpfXtZdkep52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswJKuSVs80
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jxu8JlZnk
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhJv3NaGMx52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTvY5IrpH7
“Sweetheart,” he said, “you have to listen to me.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSvhezZS5C52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9DoU8gQBo
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJIneQ7AQv
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J1lGvlUPA52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1oqZu9rTQ
“I don't have time for your nonsense,” she replied. “I have to get the house in order before the boys get home.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8S3EVROBD52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz0cXVkeLV
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBFlZTc7t3
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWvReJqeCw52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo41P3vYvp
“Baby, the boy's ain't coming home,” he said, “I told you. They don't live here no more.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIfS4WnpQd52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3YQfWLAbx
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO8ba84ngy
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡZblRfZN6Op52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSWuTMxpL2
This time she slammed the yellow pad she was writing on down on the counter. “Enough with this nonsense, Eddie!” she declared. “I have enough to do without you adding to the list with your foolish pranks! I need to go to the market and get groceries and Halloween candy for the kids in the neighborhood. Now are you going to make yourself useful and help me or are you going to sit there and continue to be a horse’s ass?”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9mf0AZrPC52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA6NqmJcWU
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsJSDT0Ihh
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGkdyoaWO052Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH9db3ZJsK
Finally finding the courage, he stood up and walked over to his wife. He gently put his hand on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. “Babe,” he said quietly, “you've been dead for twelve years.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OcvGrvuxj52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhlS4MeOYb
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHEszimA0D
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡThsfxtQxVG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgl1uw5ufy
She lifted her eyes to meet his. “Rhonda,” he said, “honey, you've been dead for twelve years.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tmt7VShRH52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2PAUUm9Jk
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks2ZVChich
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1wuwcW1Gu52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4yg62Nbw3
Rhonda pushed him away. “Enough of your tomfoolery!” She cried out and then went back to writing her list. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAMNQjhHQd52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL5ymZtI9c
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uE5tAHKST
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ7JteFmww52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OYA54DSfa
He put his hand on hers and stopped her from writing. “I'm not fooling you, babe,” Eddie told her. “You got in a car accident after you dropped the kids off for school. Twelve years ago today.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OxAj4Ng6u52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYW1xi101a
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ES88sQSk
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr4wfVQxCG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV9IveM971
She put her pad down and sat the pen on top of it. What was he saying to her? Then suddenly it came back to her. Just like Eddie had said, she had been driving to the market after dropping off the boys and a van came out of nowhere and hit her station wagon. Then there was nothing but blackness. Until earlier when she walked into the kitchen. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0GRKa6pxC52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk30h5xz6yA
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLEWDN45DW
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBqucKyZ0F52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnSA5oOSxW
Pulling out a chair for his wife, Eddie sat her down and then sat on the edge of the table. She looked confused. Almost as confused as Eddie did. “Okay,” she said in barely a whisper. “Okay. Will you help me find what that horrible smell is, Eddie? And then I'll go back to where I came from.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL6yhlt8S652Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS0U95rJcZ
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktLZpoNtur
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD7vuRGAgd52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVPivUGkMe
Eddie nodded. “I would help you with anything, darling,” Eddie replied. “But I think what you are smelling is yourself. You been in the grave a long time.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡddPEH1og0p52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG7hAgn20A
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k3Nktc7XH
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡVua13snwAg52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoCnH8ios5
“He’s right, mom,” came a voice from the entrance to the kitchen. It was Mikey. There he stood, grown and handsome. Beside him stood Billy. He was much older than he was the last time she saw him.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpTKVoCBZT52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKMK1m1pp1
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrl3fFwrNu
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc6FQNGf3H52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mTLJAT2Ym
“My boys!” Eddie cried as he ran over to hug them. “When did you get here?” copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZcO0fhoMR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C6Tm8gnyG
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox8KAnq7Pd
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqgyacXNNW52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYzvKj5Em4
Billy returned his embrace. “We got here a few minutes ago. It took us a few minutes to process what was going on, so we just sat quiet in the hallway.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD9NjZA0fE52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tH7n3gErO
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQmtAXQ14G
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTDUIE9Z2W52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHFPcp8i3u
“We figured you could use a few minutes alone,” Mikey added. “To sort things out.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHm8fxkck852Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Y4cm8t1z
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmqDP0AG2F
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LiO5ip5x52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhn16zrfSu
“Oh,” Eddie replied. “Where’s Johnny?”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NrHH9mR9o52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgzIlM5uf6
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xstaiuLYw
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡN06a8lHty252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlOOmUoN9h
“Johnny couldn't be here, pa,” Billy replied. “He's living overseas now. You know that.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI3n1Ssjhx52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTxSCTEHnT
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrqgVBypnw
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlki32spTB52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWORLDeF12P
“Oh yeah,” their father replied. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHCUSLgAeP52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkJRclKR37
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRyb7uNGUa
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQxGdyzGSQ52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQZ4BCjhEl
The boys turned their attention to their mother. “Hi, ma,” they both said. They took turns giving her a long hug. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJcy2fAuFu52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XGQOTczKf
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw6fHeJvVD
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tcJn4vEFK52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8uFd6hwoW
“I don't know how I got here,” their mother said to them. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡthA0YOzxur52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvUzlJsxid
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZJUer8YX3
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIbAgdQRIv52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCc7ipdAVC
“It don't matter,” Billy said softly. “But you can't be here anymore. It isn't right.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOZzynE31j52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO7rnsaQ0s
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NrOHGgQEd
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuBnvzc57G52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgQ6n8vBJr
Mikey took his mother’s decaying hand into his own. “You need to go be at rest again, ma,” he said. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvpI6FWWxE52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfglGDORuO
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzCKnkqEa5
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUtqt1O75P52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4lIbJQGlz
“Okay,” Rhonda relied. She knew he was right. She didn't know where he came from, but she knew it wasn't natural for her to be where she was now.copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSk2gQBsVI52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zPoUw2Jnx
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH6aruuS8F
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9teybke8gM52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0KjIV3yCo
Billy opened the back door and motioned for her to follow him. Holding Mikey’s hand all the while, she did. The four of them walked out into the back yard. Under a tall tree there was a hole dug in the ground. There was a wooden cross at the head of the hole. “That's where you came from, ma,” Mikey said to her. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIGg9aiXhn52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KYY9TvbCT
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaAPk1jPUr
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJf7LwXmYT52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRreb99eIM
“I'm buried in the back yard?” she asked. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57mkGyEUGV52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRxCQGvlS7
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBiOqDQJsK
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtDnJNx2KP52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWCCbOLl3u
“We had you in the cemetery for a while,” Billy answered, “but every year on Halloween you would dig your way out of your grave and make your way back here. It got to be a real hassle sneaking you back into the graveyard, so here you lay.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxyFFjbCG952Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GlEibkOxc
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLOeAeRqXj
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMhS6XqLS652Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8gOKrCwMF
They all sat and just stared in silence for a few moments. Rhonda broke the silence. “I guess it's time for me to go,” she said. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzAkWk7tmS52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UmmyFyTt5
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qQUEr8wR5
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLqQr5aCIQ52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3d6RXyttk
The boys and their father nodded. They boys took two shovels that were there waiting for them and turned the hole into a nice, deep, rectangular grave. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeC46J2xuU52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uewQNbpGF
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM5lGKMPgE
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbtevpyDTU52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6H8cy6K2A
They all said their goodbyes and their mother climbed into the freshly dug grave. As soon as she laid back in the dirt her eyes closed and she was gone once again. The life had slipped from her. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbGW271cJK52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c4kIV7UkO
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOAFahqW6G
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wYFA5pCDU52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Mh9ZQfKS
“How did you boys know? Why did you come here? You aren't playing hooky from school are you, Mikey?” Eddie asked. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh50vAq4ej52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ4UaMPiGa
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gZHW9Ym55
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJvFGxMIKw52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G6PXgPNwA
“No, pa,” Mikey replied. “I'm not playing hooky from school. I haven't been in college for ten years. I graduated. I have a family of my own now.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN2rtCwSea52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlqKgAx6Te
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZvfGrpFNv
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLrRMWsc0G52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQbRG98vXE
Eddie’s brow furrowed once again. “What?” he asked. “You just enrolled last year! You couldn't be done already!”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZq1E6yrOj52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D0wog6Wn0
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDZGTG7jlV
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg6ZIzCfrR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6MZYs97Y6
“Billy patted his pa on the back. “It's true, pa,” he said. He's been out for years now.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeCQ5oNyBO52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4KMA82H4q
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf4HVYn3hJ
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7OF8sMHTA52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5PK5OdfVb
“This is insane!” Eddie exclaimed. “This whole morning has been bonkers!”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RR6RzGtO752Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHg5tQewyj
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgz0XuYkyg
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdlX4rmR0X52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wmThrIvGD
“It has, pa” Billy answered. “It is every year.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf5uVeXHWR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2kX8OOmkm
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgCfhAKgUi
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXI94zJK2x52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYPSS6kAB1
“Every year?” Eddie said. “It ain't ever been like this! I would have remembered a morning this whacky!”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnLdkQFGIF52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei4zfcn4zI
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfZ3vgEfxz
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoVKTQYQxU52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4xmXqth04
Mikey turned his father a half turn and nodded towards the east end of their back yard. A hole, not unlike the one Rhonda has come from sat there waiting. “It happens every year, pa,” Mikey replied. “We don't know why, but it does.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPRpYVZHF252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjennODAbH9
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8pScU9QaG
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxp1LKSqrA52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHLX4InxZo
“Naw,” Eddie responded, shaken. “Naw it can't be right.” He looked at his hands. There was no decomposition of the skin like Rhonda had. There was no stink on him like there was on her. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65Z1PSROIp52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjDZHrDhDk
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwtRpFMzwW
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqeAQcwPUb52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWE1UIJhgJ
“It is, pa,” Billy answered. “You died six years ago. Had a heart attack at the factory. On Halloween morning. Just like ma.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaJhbv23Vt52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS2jSKKw2n
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuUklk08Tx
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2zD4ovWde52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4atJbnsVFI
“But that ain't right,” Eddie muttered. “I ain't rotten like she was.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWEzwvM2lG52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElBHEurp0u
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRYHcj1crV
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡedRYv2tx6p52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw5dghAIcf
“It's true, pa,” Mikey said. He put his arm around his father’s shoulders and led him to the hole. “Every year on Halloween you and ma both come back. We don't know why. You just do. And we don't know why you aren't rotten. We can't figure that out.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KszowYTsc52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQB2yfx0Ex
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurps8CMaOd
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N8NnEi9HE52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yKbL0smIE
Eddie’s look of confusion turned to one of acceptance. “Well it is what is I guess. It was good seeing you boys again. You know your mother and I love you dearly.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWRHVmKoUR52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCavdc3tJ38
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxzH0IjMS8
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUCgu0MtUe52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YGK9sLBPu
“We know,” Billy replied. “We love you, too.”copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡF22OQpt9za52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrELFRO8AS
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSqQzqyTcq
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq7E721SrV52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1coIXyaI90
The boys took their shovels and dug the grave while their father watched. When it was finished Eddie walked over to it and said, “I guess I'll see you next year,” he and the boys both laughed uncomfortably and Eddie jumped into the hole they had dug. As soon as his feet touched the dirt of the grave his body fell limp and lifeless once again. For another year at least. copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfPlvkliOg52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpsRa7IZgj
52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxchoMHWFU
copyright protection48ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuizi9ZLiy
