Page 203 - The Houseguest

cautions. You allowed wickedness to rise up inside of you. You chose hatred over love.”
Then suddenly she rose, turned her back and walked a few feet away. The smaller silhouette skipped in to join her as they held hands. The figures grew smaller and smaller as they walked, until they were gone from view. I realized I had destroyed my chances to be with them again. I heard the ambulance pulling up, but it seemed too late for me. I looked over at Rachel, who was now uncuffed and talking with an officer. I was suddenly sheathed with a fear I’d never had to consider, the fear of dying alone. I pleaded urgently, “Please hold my hand! Don’t let me die alone! Don’t let me die alone!”
Rachel took a few steps toward my bloody body as if heeding my dying request. I was suddenly overcome with an immeasurable gratitude for her compassion. She seemed to realize the terror I was experiencing, facing death alone. She peered down at me with a gentle, sweet smile...and paused. My fear began to wane as I was ready to encounter the true power of forgiveness. Then, she lifted her hand to raise the middle finger next to the stub I’d left her. She angrily pointed the gesture close to my face and yelled, “Die alone, asshole! Die alone!”
The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life
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