Lemonade

When I met Henry he was everything I wanted as a girl. He was charming, handsome, respectful and most of all a real gentleman. We used to sit by the fire and just laugh for all hours of the night while he held me in his arms. He was absolutely the man of my dreams. I just wish I knew about his sickness before I married him. I don't think I would've stayed with him if I did. Mrs.Morrison you are aware that there’s something much worse than your husbands ‘’sickness’’ I replied wearily. As she straightens her back I couldn’t help but notice her start to stare off into the distance. Was she staring at the tree in her front yard? Or was she staring at the wallpaper that was beginning to peel.

Unsure of where her eyes laid I couldn’t help but track her shaking hands. She seems nervous, could it be that she’s as guilty as her husband or maybe she feels ashamed she didn’t catch on to what was happening. Or maybe she knew all along? Cases like this are always tricky, even if the answer is right in front of you it’s not always obvious. Trying to not get lost in my thoughts I just smiled politely as she continued to tell us about how she fell in love with a man who she had no idea was a sick and twisted individual. Although seconds felt like an eternity I was tired of the silence that had passed. I have to continue the conversation or else this visit would be pointless. Mrs. Morrison may I ask you a question? Still staring off into the distance she answers reluctantly. Although she said yes the response was so simple and quick it felt a tad bit cold. I couldn’t help but notice her eyes shift towards the old grandfather clock that was collecting dust in the corner of the room.

Were you aware that Henry was having an affair? She stopped mid sip and looked at me as if I asked her a stupid question. ‘’Yes, I was aware he was seeing other women.’’ Wow, an honest answer I wasn’t really expecting. Her demeanor hasn’t changed and she just looks more annoyed than anything. I feel a bit bad for putting her into this position but I have to know. So excuse me for asking such personal questions but you said he was seeing other women, were you two separated? The look of disgust quickly disappeared instead she narrowed her eyebrows and flashed me a crooked smile. Even if it was just for a second I still find it odd I’m probably just overthinking it. ‘’Mr.Wright may I ask you something?’’ I nod in agreement. Are you married? Have any children? I couldn’t help but let a laugh escape. Such a ridiculous question, I’ve never been too fond of small talk. No. Never married, no children. It was just me and my sister. Was? Yes, my sister passed away. Oh I’m so sorry for your loss, how come you never got married? Not a big fan of commitment. I see… you know my Henry wasn’t a big fan of commitment either but yet he made an honest woman of me. She starts to walk towards the window and signals me to follow. Did you enjoy your lemonade? Yes it was just fine.

You know Mr.Wright don’t you just hate rats? Rats? Yes. I despise rats, they're no different from those who ask too many questions. Shocked, I took a step back and felt the wall meet with me. I apologize if I overstepped any boundaries. I think it’s time for you to leave. Listen I apologize if I overstepped but I would still like to ask you some more questions. ‘’No, I am far to tired and so much more to do today.’’ Oh are you expecting Company? She let out a bit of a morbid giggle and was still staring out the window. Ma’m? I'm starting to get freaked out, the whole vibe is just off in here and she’s just down right creepy. ‘’Oh excuse me I’m so sorry I was just thinking about my garden.’’ Garden? I peer out of the window, nothing stands out really, a typical garden. She does have Marigolds though. I haven’t seen Marigolds in a while. ‘’Really? These are my favorite’’ They were my sisters too. I couldn’t help but become overfilled with sadness. I lost my footing and had to catch myself before I face planted into this old woman's creaky floorboards. This isn’t right, why am I suddenly so dizzy? There it is again her creepy giggle. ‘’I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but laugh, I think it’s time for you to go.’’ as she hands me my coat she lets out a small sigh ‘’I’m so sorry your sister was murdered, you know April was such a kind soul.’’ I tripped over my two feet and landed straight on my ass it’s now hitting me how dire my situation is right now. I couldn’t hold the disgust on my face. I never said she was murdered and I never told you her name!

She let out another morbid laugh and stared at me on the floor. ‘’Give my wishes to April, she always loved my lemonade.’’ As I lay here completely defenseless staring up at this wicked beast the last thing I see is a flash and a horrendous sign release from her palms.