I Promise
He turns away from his mother's agonized gaze. He remains silent to his brother's questioning brows. It wasn't my fault. He wants to say. All his life he has made many mistakes. The diamond ring feels heavy in his hand. He looks down and stares at his wedding band. Simple. Golden. Cool. And now he can't even take it off. He's gonna need some help.
His mother puts her hand on his face. The bruise there is ugly and huge. Luckily, he didn't lose a tooth. His mother says not a word. His brother runs a hand through his his dark curls and then lets out a sigh. One of the nurses comes over and smiles. He's free to go home now. He murmurs a thank you. He resents the curiosity and sympathy in the nurse's eyes. Home. Sweet home. Emily is gone and Bob is dead. He gets into his brother's car and closes his eyes. The night is cool. The streets are quiet. The stop in front of his mother's house.
At least he no longer has to worry about his low sperm count.