His Choice Wasn't Me
The sound of shovels faded behind him, the murmurs of people drifted away, but that vow - those six words, hung in the air, heavy and final.
He stayed like that long after everyone left, his knees soaked with mud, his eyes fixed on her name carved into the stone.
Somewhere behind him, Daniel’s small voice broke the silence. “Daddy… is Mummy sleeping?”
James turned slowly, his chest tightening. He forced a small nod, even as his throat closed. “Yes,” he whispered. “She’s sleeping.”
Daniel frowned. “Then when will she wake up?”
James didn’t answer. He just pulled the boy close, his arms wrapping around him as the child’s tears soaked his shirt.