Elly held the framed photo to her chest. After a few tears, she set his picture back into the cardboard box. It had been years since her husband hugged her back. Years since he touched her face to wipe away a crumb.
He wasn't supposed to leave without her. He just up and left suddenly... no warning. Just a last glass of wine they shared and then like a stranger, he was out the door.
She sipped her last swig before following him outside. She expected him to be leaning on the railing on the front porch as always.
Into the brisk autumn night, she stepped and waited.
He must have gone to the barn to toss some hay for the horse.
But when he didn't return, she walked into the lit barn.
He rested on a pile of hay bales. He seemed not to notice her.
"Trevor, would you like a hand with something out here?"
Nothing. So distant. So out of character.
He looked so peaceful. He gave no response.
"Why are you not answering me, Honey?"
When he didn't speak, she did the only thing left to do.
She called 911.
But they had always agreed... he wasn't supposed to leave… without her.
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