Lucas De Palma

Epilogue

Fiona had been in a quandary for the last three months when she found
out about Adam's memorial service. Her mind went back and forth many
times and she still couldn't arrive at a decision. That stoic person
she was in the court was not the same person that walked the surface
of the earth among the other mortals, for the events that had
happened ten years ago had changed her deeply. Nevertheless, the day
had finally come and, without giving it much thought, she began
taking baby steps: she got dressed – Jack helped her get into a
beautiful black scalloped neck dress that wold suit the elegant
silver choker -, she put on some makeup and perfume, she took her
umbrella and went into the sitting room where she sat on the chaise
lounge and had some sips of Scotch. She mumbled something while she
drank her whiskey but Jack didn't hear, she hoped. He was being
nothing but helpful: he never hurried her or said anything to make
her upset – he knew she was feeling blue and she noticed he didn't
want to make things worse.
After a short cab drive, they were there. She was standing at the
entrance of the park when her shoulders suddenly felt heavy, as if
something or someone was pushing them down, so she could only move
forward at a trudge. Adam's parents where the first people in sight.
Her heart rate increased as she approached them. It had been ten
years and she had no idea what to say to them. After fifteen steps
she was right in front of them. They knew who she was, but, to her
surprise, they weren't angry. They were crying and holding each other
hands. Just when Fiona was about to offer her condolences, Adam's
mother hugged tightly and clung to her. At first, Fiona thought how
inappropriate that was. But as soon as she heard her say “Thank you
for giving my child a second chance” she understood everything and
the indomitable judge abandoned her to make room for the mortal
Fiona. She clutched at that poor sobbing woman while she gazed Adam's
father, who was watching the emotional scene, filled with sorrow and
pride at the same time. After a few words of courtesy, Fiona dashed
through the park and found herself in front of a picture of Adam that
was meticulously displayed in some sort of shrine.
It was a beautiful picture which was probably taken after he got out
of the hospital. At that precise moment, Fiona felt completely alone.
She could only hear the soft rain falling through the thick treetops,
the wind blowing on top of the mirrory pond, and the faint singing of
the few doves around her. Unwittingly, her mind began to bring
memories of Adam – him playing the violin, shivering before the fan
heater, the indecorous kiss. Her eyes filled with tears and she
couldn't help herself but cry. She reached into her pocket looking
for her handkerchief when she realized she had forgotten it. Just
when she was about to pull her head up and look for her husband, Jack
was right there with a handkerchief in his hand. She thanked him and
asked for a minute alone. Fiona stood there for one whole minute in
silence, and just a quick glance at Jack was enough for him to know
it was time to leave.
It was heavy raining now but it wasn't cold. Jack asked her if she
wanted to take a cab, but she didn't. He opened the umbrella and
covered her underneath it. They held each other arms and walked back
home.
Back in their apartment, Fiona smiled to the babysitter as she took
her things and left. Adam was sound asleep, so they were as quiet as
a mouse and head directly to their bedroom for a good night sleep.