Today’s story is inspired by a prompt from the fabulous @suddenlyprompts: “As he stepped further in, the dust he disturbed formed shimmering spirals in the air.”
He closed his eyes and took it all in. The pain. The absence. The guilt. Time didn’t make it easier, it never did. Breathing deeply, Kyle looked up and took another step. Slowly, he walked around the empty room, his hand reaching for the memories. He could still see everything with such clarity. In this corner, there was the messy desk with piles of books and loose pages. Near the window, there had been pictures of them together and over there, the bed, sheets always all over the place. The dresser, with necklaces hanging and clothes thrown over open drawers. Heels and boots lying on the floor. The mirror with a faint trace of lipstick. The lavender walls fading in the sunlight. It was still there as it had been that day he last saw her.
Sara was gone now and Kyle couldn’t a thing about it. Looking outside, he watched the snow slowly fall on the already frozen land. He hadn’t wanted to empty the room. He had wanted to leave it intact, as if it would’ve been enough to bring the teenager back, but her mother had decided otherwise. Her pain had been great. Was still, or so he was told. He didn’t speak to her anymore. He hadn’t spoken to anyone since that night the police knocked to their door. Since they had discovered Sara’s body. Carmen had thrown everything around and trashed most of it. Out of rage. Out of pain. And then, she had left.
Kyle was now alone in an empty house. A cold house. He deeply believed Carmen still blamed him for what had happened. She had asked how he could be so impassive. Insensitive. He should’ve been there, that night. He should’ve protected her. Wasn’t that what a father was meant to be? What was he good for if he couldn’t shield an innocent girl from the darkness of this world? Why hadn’t he not stopped her from going out so late? Why…?
- Daddy…
A soft voice in his ear. Kyle could feel a cool breath on neck.
No, he begged. Not tonight, please.
- Daddy, help me…
He didn’t dare turn around. He knew what he would see. He knew she was there, in the white summer dress she had been wearing for that last party. He knew the delicate cloth was soiled with dirt and blood, ripped in places. He didn’t want to see the reproach in her eyes, the bruises on her so fair skin.
- Daddy, please… Where are you?
Closing his eyes, Kyle breathed deeply. He couldn’t escape. Time didn’t make it easier, it never did.
- I’m here, baby.
Words whispered to the dead. Tears in his eyes, he turned his head and glimpsed at the image of Sara. She was beautiful. Still. Despite everything. She was breathtaking. And she was reaching for him. How could he not answer? Unable to avoid the inevitable, he smiled sadly as his fingers closed around her icy pale hand.
- I’m so sorry, Sara… I’m here now…
And pulling her to him, he held her in his protective embrace. He wouldn’t let go, not this time. Through the cold, he felt the pain lessen until he couldn’t feel anything anymore. Surrounding them, a bright light grew until only darkness remained. And an empty room filled with memories.
Thanks for taking my submission @suddenlystories. Time I get back into writing, so you'll probably see more of me. I hope!
