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!!
Lucky for her Terry was there, but you're right! You can write a cliffhanger. Can't wait to see what happens to both of them now.
ReplyDeleteBoy, I tell ya-- way to leave us hanging! This is such an emotional scene and beautifully done. I can feel every nerve and anxious worry. I'm glad he was there.
ReplyDeleteYes you can!!! Don’t stop there! I am really glad he was there and love their friendship. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Glad I waited to read this til now since we have another segment due to tomorrow. LOL! I love to do cliffhangers on TT so it's only fair that you did it to us. I love that Terry is so supportive.
ReplyDelete