This is set in the same world as Our Condolences. This one is about a grown up Albert, and like any that takes place in this world, is a heavier story. I should warn there are mentions of violence and self-harm.
-Rose B.
One and the Same
1
Standing in the tall grass behind our house, I look up at the clouded sky and imagine Samth is so angry that it's affecting the weather. I hope Thuren calms her down; Dad is less sad when the sun is shining. I say to Margie, but her big fluffy head is turned to the house. I ran home. She must have been worried, she always knew when Dad was having a bad time, but she stayed with me like she was supposed to. My heart pounds in my ears, and extra weight settles into my bones. It feels like forever before we reach the stairs. I jump to the door and fling it open. Margie leaps through the door, leaving me behind. Dad! I yell, chasing after the furry tail.
I shouldn't have left him alone. I should have kept an eye on him with how depressed he's been. I should have known something bad would happen with how he's been acting. Margie's whine leads me to the parlor. He's sitting on the ground looking like a broken doll, in front of him is a typed letter. My gut clenches. That pristine paper doesn't belong here; it must be a mistake. My gaze gravitates to the blood-soaked letter in my father's hands. Dad?
As if my voice is the signal, people rush into the room. They crowd around my father, screaming things I can't understand. When a stretcher is brought in, my dad enters my vision again. The letters are gone, but he looks the same, an empty husk. Blood pools on the floor, falling from arms scratched to an unrecognizable mess. As they carry him off, the blood splashes on the floor with a bang.
Albert jolts awake. Old military documents fly from the bed as a streak of fur bolts from the room. Albert groans, each bark a sharp stab to his brain. He pushes a palm against his forehead. "Rosey," His first shout is horse and thick with sleep. "Rosey!" His second shout is clearer. The barking is replaced by a low growl, that was as much as he was going to get out of her. Albert pushes at the bigger dog next to him, "Come on, Margie move." She rolls over in a huff, displacing more papers.
Another knock cuts through the air as Albert is getting up. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" He replies before muttering, "My streak of sleepless nights continues." He fumbles his way through the dark to the front door and almost trips over Rosey. he picks up the dog and unlocks the door. He can't see much but he recognizes Charlotte's defiant stance.
"Charlotte," He sighs.
"Are you going to let me in?" She smiles like she always does when she wants something.
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