TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "STRONG"

 

Howdy do! Welcome! Today we have another episode of "Two of Hearts" with the word prompt "strong" hidden inside. When you've finished reading my excerpt, hop on over to the other authors and read their outstanding stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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The dog obliged her by doing all his business before she directed him back into the townhouse.

Jen opened a can of his food and filled his dish and gave him fresh water. Keeping her daily ritual calmed her. She went through the motions, being responsible, getting things done. Something about the routine--so ordinary –promised her that life would continue to be ordinary. Stan will come home, get better and they will resume their life together. She believed. She had to –the alternative was unacceptable, on any level.

She showered quickly and dressed in a black silk pants and tunic outfit. Stan loved that on her. Jen took a deep breath, downed the rest of her coffee, petted Willie goodbye, and left.

Chewing a nail, she kept checking her watch. Even though it was only eight thirty, she hurried down the sidewalk. What if there was a problem with the subway? What if it stopped? It was rush hour, she’d never get a taxi, besides the traffic would be like a jar of molasses, slowing everything to a crawl. What if she didn’t make it before Stan woke up? Her breathing became shallow as she quickened her pace, practically tripping over her own feet. With eyes on her watch, she stepped into the street.

A strong hand yanked her back on the sidewalk while a loud horn blared in her face.

“Whoa! Jen!”

She turned to see Terry, holding her firmly by the arm.

“What?”

“That taxi almost mowed you down.”

“A taxi?” Confused, her eyes filled with tears.

He eased her back against the big apartment building on the corner. “Maybe you should catch your breath. Where’re you going?”

“To the hospital.”

“Subway?”

She nodded, swiping at the tears on her cheeks. “What if he doesn’t wake up? What if? What if?” she whispered.

“Aw. No. Don’t go there.” Terry pulled her into his embrace and she broke down, sobbing into his shoulder. He patted her back. “It’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna be okay. Come on. I’ll take you to the subway.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking a shuddering breath. He fished a handkerchief out of his back pocket and handed it to her. She mopped at her face. Embarrassed, she hid behind the white cloth. He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and escorted her down the street. His presence calmed her. The strength of his biceps transferred to her, right through the fabric of his suit.

He slowed his gait to accommodate her high heels.

“Dressed up for Stan?” he asked.

She nodded.

“You look great. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

“Thank you.”

He took her down the steps and waited until her train came in. She was headed uptown and he downtown.

“Did you hear from Clare?”

Thanks for stopping by. 

P.S. Yeah, I can write a cliffhanger, too!!