We’ll Meet Again Someday

Riana fell against the doorway separating the kitchen and living room, speechless. Once the initial shock wore off, she softly said, “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” She crossed the room to comfort both mother and daughter. One of the detectives spoke up. They obviously knew Audra and James because they addressed each other on a first-name basis. “Audra. Audra?” Audra looked up with bloodshot eyes from her seat on the couch. She kept her arm around Emma, who lay sobbing against her. “Huh?” “If you need Samuel or me for anything,” said the woman, “don’t hesitate to call. If you need anything at all, we’ll be there for you, okay?” Audra nodded solemnly. “Thanks, Lucy.” “Don’t get up,” Lucy said gently. “We’ll let ourselves out.” Audra subtly nodded again, only partly hearing the detective. Once they were gone, Riana sat beside Audra, looked at her, then over to Emma. “How did it happen?” Riana asked softly, unsure if this was an appropriate time to ask. “We were at the stables,” Audra began, her voice cracking. Riana waited a moment to let Audra gather herself. “We’d just eaten lunch at the picnic table, and then James and I decided to explore a new trail while Emma was at the arcade.” Riana nodded, then prompted Audra to continue. “So, you took a new trail?” Audra nodded. “And for some reason, Desert Wind lost it.” “Lost it?” Audra nodded again. “I take it that was the horse James was riding?” Again with a nod so subtle Riana almost missed it. “He always rides him, and I ride Cactus Queen.” Audra cleared her throat and went on. “Desert Wind got spooked for some reason, and James got thrown quite a ways. He hit his head and…” Audra began to sob uncontrollably. Both Riana and Emma held her tight on both sides. The following days brought a flurry of visitors to the house: Audra’s parents, James’ parents, Judith, and others. Riana wanted to be helpful in any way she could, but she also didn’t want to get in the way. She mostly kept Emma company when her friends weren’t around, and Audra seemed grateful for her support. Weary from a day of attending the funeral and helping with the guests, who brought numerous plates of food to the house, Riana logged onto the journal site and began the day’s entry. I’m exhausted right now, so I’m not going to make this a long entry. I see I have comments on my previous entry from my usual cyber friends—thanks. Today was the funeral. I felt just horrible for both Audra and Emma, then I felt somewhat guilty for helping myself to some of the food the guests brought when I was in the kitchen alone. Audra and Emma are too depressed to eat much of it, and well… I’d kind of be starving my ass off without it. My friend Yolanda takes me out and treats me to lunch every so often in exchange for her company, and Audra feeds me most of the time, but I’m thinking I ought to get a job in addition to entering sweeps. I don’t want to mooch off others until the economy improves and I start winning more. They tell me they don’t mind and that they’re only returning the favors I give them—cleaning, occasionally cooking, doing laundry, keeping them company—but I still feel that I should be more independent. So after the guests cleared out, I was a bit relieved. Another thing to feel guilty about, since I just wanted to escape to this little guesthouse, clear the noise and commotion from my head, and enjoy some quiet time alone. I’m still a loner overall, and I still have things I like to do when I’m not entering sweeps. I wanted to take a hot shower and then relax to music until I fell asleep after lying in silence for about ten minutes or so, but Audra seemed to want me to stick around once everyone was gone and Emma was in bed. I was surprised, too—I thought if anyone would want some solitude, it would be her. An hour later, I convinced her to get some sleep, and soon I’m going to be getting some as well. She was about to put her computer to sleep when she saw a comment waiting for her. It was from SoIn2U. Sounds like you’ve been busy, and I can see where you’d be a bit worn out. I’ll bet Audra appreciates you more than you know. I’m sure she does. Are you going to be together all the time now? Riana’s jaw dropped as she typed. Good God, girl, are you serious? I can’t believe some people! What a lousy thing to ask, and right after her husband dies in a terrible accident. Shame on you! She waited a minute, but no reply came. “Good night, asshole,” Riana finally muttered, about to put her computer to sleep once again before another comment came. What if she’s glad he’s gone? Riana grew even more irritated, tired of the exchange between her and the strange being known only as SoIn2U. Screw you and good night! She put the PC to sleep and settled under the covers. Her mind raced, and she didn’t think she would get to sleep anytime soon. But she was too tired not to be claimed by sleep barely five minutes after settling into bed.