Note: 100-word drabble.

Disturber of the Peace

First thing she did post discharge and debrief was to visit the grave.

Elizabeth Adams McCord

1968 – 2005

RIP

Three lilies lay beneath, once-white petals curled and yellow with age.

/

Second thing she did was to visit the house.

Halfway along the path, she stopped.

Beyond the window, gathered for dinner: Henry. The kids. Caitlin.

All five laughed at something Caitlin said.

A diorama: 'The Merry McCords'.

/

Third thing she did was to call Conrad.

"Anything I need? …How about a new name?"

The Elizabeth who'd left was five years dead.

RIP

Ghosts had no business disturbing the living.