Fallout

Fingers splayed across cheek and mouth before dropping. Kendra released a shuddering breath, squaring her shoulders. Her smiling mouth twisted down as she nodded her understanding. Because what else did she need to know, really? It was all there. Playing out in vivid detail inside her mind.

The confession. The hurt; arguing. Stephen peeling out of the driveway, tires squealing as he took the corner without stopping.

“Mrs. Fielstrum, did you hear me?”

She blinked, tilted her head, mouth apologetically grim.

“After surgery, he’ll need extensive rehabilitation.”

“Of course,” the continual nodding. Understanding. He couldn’t simply die.

One more punishment.