* * *
Ben shovedhis hands into his pockets as he walked home from his parent’s house. He laughed again at Amy’s reaction to his teasing. The emotion made him feel lighter than he had in a long time.
Teasing her wasn’t nice, but he hadn’t been able to help himself. He enjoyed seeing her flustered and frustrated. She was so fun to tease because she reacted so strongly. He couldn’t believe he’d flirted with her like that again, especially in front of his parents.
He found her refreshing. She made him want to shake off the pain and gloom of the past year. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, a tightness settled in his chest. His smile faded.
With more force than necessary, he kicked a small rock, sending it tumbling across the street. He shouldn’t feel this way about another woman.
He’d loved Melanie deeply, and he would probably mourn her death for the rest of his life. As for his daughter, he’d tried to accept the fact he’d likely never see her again. Most days, he felt like he’d succeeded, but other days he longed to hold her in his arms.
But he was tired. His feet slowed to match his mood.
Tired of feeling hopeless. Tired of the bleakness and loneliness that had become his constant companions. He wanted to move on, but he felt so torn. Every time he thought about building a new life, a life without Melanie and Cassey, he felt like he was being unfaithful.
