I know it's been a while, but I was overtaken by events and the desire to write is just coming back. I have several story stumps in progress so the next one should come without so long of a wait.
This story was inspired by a recent visit to the cemetery where my son-in-law, who passed away last year suddenly at the age of 24, is interred. As I sat on one of the many benches throughout the grounds, my writer-brain (what there is of it) took in the serenity of the quiet and peace. The brief story below is what followed.
Thank you to those readers that have read and commented on my stories. I appreciate you all, both as readers and as fellow travelers on this third rock from the sun. Go now and tell someone you love, anyone, that you love them...before it's too late.
This is an aftermath story, the cheating long since passed. Maybe even the aftermath after the aftermath. No BTB, no RAAC, just a slice of life. I'll warn you now that not much happens. It was more therapeutic than anything else.
Disclaimer: As you read this story, keep in mind that I try to include something for everyone, and some people are always looking for mistakes. So, if you find any errors, please remember that they are there for a reason.
*****
PEACE
It was hard to find.
*****
The tires crunched on the gravel road as she drove slowly toward the cemetery grounds. It was set well back from the main road, about a half-mile along the twisting, gravelly path.
Darlene Howard had never been here before. She was aware it had existed but had never had cause to make use of its services, or even attend a burial here. Even now she was on a personal mission rather than this being a matter of business.
She followed the signs to the main office. She could hear a mower droning on in the distance and a few scattered people visiting the burial sites of their loved ones. Darlene had never known anyone that died and was not looking forward to the first time.
An electronic chime sounded as she entered the office. A pretty brunette woman about her age, maybe a little younger, was manning the desk. Her name badge read 'Connie'. She was slim, with straight hair down to the middle of her back, but not much in the way of breasts or butt. She was a sharp contrast to her own blonde hair and voluptuous figure.
"Can I help you?"
"I hope so. I'm looking for a man named Daniel Preston," Darlene responded.
"Is there something I can help you with? I'm the site manager."
"No, thank you. It's a personal matter."
"I understand. He's out on the grounds. Just follow the sound of the lawnmower."
Darlene thanked Connie for her help and walked back to her car. The sound of the mower was coming from some distance away and she figured she'd need her car. She shook her head in wonder at the thought of her ex-husband working as a groundskeeper at a cemetery. She hadn't known where he'd ended up, only that he wasn't teaching anymore, and had come by the information on a fluke.
