Nancy sees an elderly woman cradling a baby at her husband’s funeral, and she says it’s her late husband’s child. After leaving with skepticism, Nancy discovers the infant in her car. But the enigmatic woman has already vanished.
Nancy stood there, hardly feeling the chill of the fall air. As she gazed at the new earthen mound, her eyes were dry, the tears having turned to a dark, empty emptiness. Patrick had left. Even after a week, her mind continued to reject the harsh reality that had unexpectedly entered her life. They had remarked, “A car crash,” “instantaneous.” To her, the words were meaningless syllables that were meant to reassure her that he was pain-free.
She recalled the small things, like the ridiculous TV series they’d binge-watched on lazy weekends, the way Patrick used to leave sweet, playful notes in the kitchen, and the warmth of his hand around her. Sharp and moving memories pulled at the edges of her heart, making it even more intolerable. She said to herself, “How can he just not be here anymore?” but the faint voice was lost in the stillness.
She looked around and saw the last remnants of the burial. Relics of a last farewell include chairs tucked away in the corner, a few withering flowers that the cleanup staff overlooked, and lingering footprints in the grass. People had gathered to honor the man they all missed and to share their memories of him. However, they all departed and went back to their lives one by one. As they say, life goes on.
However, how could hers? She had been a part of a “we” with Patrick, but now it was just “me.” To get rid of these ideas, Nancy shook her head. Suddenly chilled, she drew her coat tighter over her. It was time to go, to begin figuring out the remainder of her life in some way. You get through this, she told herself, one breath at a time. Nancy was about to leave the cemetery when an elderly woman holding a wailing infant blocked her way. The woman appeared desperate and exhausted from everything that life had thrown at her. “Are you Nancy? Almost drowned out by the baby’s screams, the woman asked.
“Yes, I am. Who is inquiring? Nancy answered, her tone betraying the emotional weariness that was running thin on her patience. “Amanda is my name. She pointed to the kid in her arms, whose screaming had now subsided into gentle whimpers, and said, “This baby is Patrick’s.” Nancy felt her heart beat faster. “What? That’s not possible,” she shot back, her eyes narrowing, almost automatically. “Patrick was a decent guy. a devoted husband. He refused to.
Amanda let out a sigh that was laden with a thousand hidden tales. “I understand it’s difficult to process. However, that is the reality. The mother of this child is unable to support her. Nancy snapped, her rage rising along with the bizarre tone of the discourse. “You’re lying,” she said. Why should I think any of this is true?” “Because this innocent child needs someone, Nancy,” Amanda said, her expression softening. Now, you are her only hope.
Nancy shook her head, feeling overpowered. “This…this is excessive.” You’re not even someone I know. I can’t handle this. No, not today. “Not right now,” she stumbled and retreated. With a tone that was a mix of pity and remorse, Amanda answered, “I understand.” However, life presents us with things for which we must be prepared rather than those for which we are prepared.
Nancy turned away because she couldn’t bear the seriousness of the situation. In an attempt to distract herself from Amanda’s disturbing realization, she moved more quickly than her shaking legs would allow.
She had a sinking sensation in her gut as she walked away, an unwavering cold that informed her that this encounter was not the end. She had no idea that the baby would always be there, a part of Patrick that she couldn’t simply wish away. Whether she was prepared or not, her life had entwined with the child’s, laying the groundwork for an uncertain future. Nancy nearly ran into someone when her head was still reeling from the altercation in the graveyard. “Oh, Mike! I didn’t see you there,” she said, identifying Patrick’s former coworker.
Mike said, “Hey, Nancy,” with a serious expression on his face, clearly aware of the recent death. They found themselves in a kind of awkward catch-up that happens after you’ve been through a lot in life. They discussed everything and nothing, including the recent shiftiness of the weather, local rumors, and, truly, unimportant topics. For Nancy, it was a pleasant, if rather forced, diversion. As is customary when people are at a loss for words, Mike’s voice trailed off, “Keep in touch, alright? If you need anything…” Nancy said, “I will. Thanks, Mike,” with a meek smile. She kept thinking, ‘What a day, huh?’ as they parted ways. The emotional toll weighed heavy on her as she walked to her car, her feet feeling like lead.
Nancy’s mind were far away as she reached the car and fumbled for her keys. In the silence, the sound of the unlocking door clicking was particularly loud. Her heart briefly stopped when she grabbed for the handle and the door opened to see a scene. The infant, the same youngster Amanda had carried in her arms, was in her rear seat. However, Amanda was not present. Nancy was startled back to reality by the sound of the baby’s cries filling the car.
Her heart pounding, she whispered, “What the… How did you get in here?” She was unable to comprehend how this could possibly be the case. Was the door left open? She was struck with a second wave of confusion: where was Amanda?