Epilogue
Epilogue

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 1961, OUR LADY OF MERCY CEMETERY

He wasn't alone this time.

Mariana had hoped to see Albert again. She was afraid he would not be there this year. Her worries were unfounded.

Walking hand-in-hand with her handsome son, was a lovely, dark haired woman who looked amazingly like the new President's wife.

I wonder who she is?

The young woman reached up to adjust her purse strap. The sunlight glinted off something on her hand. Mariana caught her breath. She's his wife! I wonder how long they've been married? She smiled. Mariana studied her daughter-in-law speculatively, wondering if she was expecting. She hoped that the next time she saw them, she would have a grandchild.

The lovely young woman was watching her son with such love and compassion, Mariana's heart ached. Like the previous year, Albert seemed intent on his sister's grave, barely aware of the woman at his side. She put a comforting arm around his shoulders. The couple stood there for several minutes more, longer than Albert had done the year before. Neither spoke.

Albert and his wife slowly turned away. Mariana watched their retreating backs, until she lost sight of them, and then she too, turned away.


Author: Christina L. Bartruff