A Convenient Risk

Amanda stared at the blood on her hands. Her husband’s blood. She was numb. Cried out. She shoved the door open with her hip and stepped into the fading day. Her focus was on the water pump across the yard. The few steps stretched out before her. Holding her hands away from her body, she moved toward it, not caring that she stirred the dust of the dry earth beneath her feet.

The pump’s handle was solid and cold. She yanked her hand back. Jed’s blood now stained the metal. It couldn’t be helped. Grasping the handle once more, she pulled it up and then pressed down. Her long blonde hair fell into her face. Amanda fought the urge to push it to the side. Again and again, she pumped, until water began to flow from the spout. Thrusting her hands underneath, she rubbed at the dark red covering her skin.

Once all traces were gone, she tugged at her apron, wrapping her hands in the thin fabric. When she looked at them again, they shook. And she could still see the deep crimson upon them.

She blinked. The red vanished.

Spinning on the balls of her feet, she turned back toward the house. The clicking of her shoes alerted her that she was once again inside.

And the smell.

“Where were you?” A gruff voice greeted her.

She jerked in that direction.

The tall frame of the doctor filled the doorway to her bedroom. His scowl accused her.

“I needed some fresh air.”

He shook his head. Had she disappointed him? “You were needed in here.”

She nodded, lowering her gaze to the floor as she stepped toward him.

He held up his hands. “There’s no point now. He’s passed.”

“What?” It wasn’t possible.

The doctor moved past her, his shoulder grazing hers. “It was only a matter of time.”

Amanda’s heart stopped. Cold surrounded and pervaded her being. Her breath rushed out of her. Would she be able to draw in another?

In time, it did come, but with it came the tears. There were more. After all.