"I can't believe that I forgot." Abby confessed her eyes reflecting a distant sadness. Marcus stood next to her unsure what was considered the proper response and action on his part. After a few elapsed seconds he extended his reach out and laid a hand on her upper arm giving a slight squeeze. She jerked away.
"No. It doesn't feel right. Not now." There was more depression than anger in her words. He found himself even more lost on what to do. His deeper gut saying to walk away; allow her to sort this out. The better part of him; the man she helped him grow into knew he couldn't cower off.
"Abby your not a bad person. We've been busy."
"You can't understand."
"Completely? No I can't because I've never been in that spot. But I can relate a little bit. A few weeks ago I couldn't recall my mom's favorite author. She used to read to me wh…."
"That's not the same as forgetting your husband's birthday." Abby bitterly interrupted. Marcus quickly closed his eyes and took a calming breath.
"I realize that. Look Abby forgetting Jake's birthday doesn't mean you didn't love him or that you don't still. Life keeps moving on we keep living. Sometimes that means things in our past get buried. And again that doesn't make you or any of us bad people." He risked touching her again. She accepted it.
"It's hard to keep a balance. I really miss him." He could sense the guilt in her words ashamed of all people to reveal to she chose him.
"I know you do. And I understand. I miss people too." Abby nodded moved a hand over his and covered it.
"Thank you for understanding."
"So what would have you guys done to celebrate his birthday?" She developed a small smile the sadness fading in her eyes.
"Well most likely Clarke would have…"