A Sudden Light (F)

So it would fall to Evan to break the news to Laura. Her brother Jack called and asked Evan to be the one, that somehow by phone would not be right.

“I mean, I hate it, you know, but Evan you know the story and—“

“It’s okay. I’ll do it. She’ll be back in from her run soon. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks, man. Tell her to call me, you know, after.”

“I will. Take it easy. We’ll be up, of course.”

“Thanks. Thanks, man. See y’all soon.”

Evan set his phone down and glanced at the front door. Maybe it would be better not to go to her as she walked in. Maybe let her get inside and get her shoes off and pad into the kitchen for a glass of water.

He used a pencil to mark his place in the book he was reading and stood and stretched. Maybe out on the patio. Or maybe the place did not matter so much.

Outside, Evan pulled their chairs to the corner shaded by the maple, the early evening sun dimming as it dropped toward the hills. How to say it, what words to use, to make any kind of small talk before breaking the news.

He sat. Small talk suddenly struck him as absurd. But. Evan leaned back a bit and crossed his legs. Two mocking birds were flying in and out of the maple.

“Evan?” Her voice through the screen door.

“Out here, Hon.”

“Okay, let me get some water. Need anything?”

“Nope, I’m good.”

He heard the screen door scraping open. Turning, he half-smiled at her. “I know, I know, it’s still sticking.”

“Character, I suppose. Isn’t that we say about this house. Lots of character.” She sat down next to him and set her glass down on the small table between them. “What a great run. Perfect. And no wind.”

Evan looked at her, trying to read her face, trying to keep his face undecipherable.

“I saw the Johnsons out,” she said. “They’re so cute. Both had their walkers. I guess that will be us some day.”

Evan nodded. “Yep, suppose so.”

She shook out her ponytail and leaned forward and brought her hair over her head and then lifted it back and let it fall to her shoulders.

“Beautiful.”

“What?”

“You look beautiful.”

“Sweaty.”

“Beautiful.”

“Sweet thing.”

“Uh, Laur, uh, Jack called.”

“Oh?”

“It’s Bill, Uncle Bill.”

She widened her eyes and took in a short breath. “No” she whispered.

“Yes. A few hours ago. I’m so sorry, Honey.” He reached over and squeezed her hands.

“Oh, no, Evan. No. I mean I knew it was coming. But, no.”

“He was a good man and he loved you very much.”

“He was a good man. So good to me. Good to us.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Evan.” She swallowed a sob.

“I know.”

Laura looked out across the yard and beyond the fence to the clouds hovering above the ridge.

“Jack wants you to call. When you want to, of course.”

“Jack.” She wiped her eyes. “Why did he wait—doesn’t matter.”

“No, not really.”

They sat quietly, the sun disappeared behind the hills. The gazebo lights popped on.

Laura flinched. “That seems early.”

“Daylight savings ends tonight. I reset the timer.

“I forgot about that.”

“Not important.”

“No, but a thing to be done. I think we should have some wine.”

Lyman 2021