Sunday's Gossip Part III

Later that night, there was a knock on Lucille’s door. As the maid answered it, Lucille saw Katie. She was tear-stained and carrying two suitcases. The maid showed Katie into the parlor, than left.

Jumping up toward her, Lucille cried, “Katie, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, Lucille, it was just horrible! He came in to ask me. I couldn’t lie to him. It was awful. He wouldn’t yell or say harsh words at all. I couldn’t take it. He just sat there with his head in his hands! I couldn’t take it!”

“Katie, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I could do to help.”

“You are my only friend. You are the only one who listens to me and seems to understand. All I ask is to stay one night.”

“Of course, but where will you go tomorrow? Surely you can’t leave him…”

“I have to,” Katie said as she started to cry again.

“Katie, listen to me. Stay tonight. Rest up, and calm down. Tomorrow, you should go back to Lord Henry’s and, and try to work something out. I’ll come with you if you want.”

She showed Katie to the guest room and had the maid bring up a blanket or two more.

As Katie closed the door, she said, “Thank you Lucille. You are a very kind friend.”

Me? Kind? A good friend? Tomorrow…what am I going to do about tomorrow? I’ve hurt them enough, but I don’t want to give up what I’ve gained.

Lucille went to bed with an upset stomach and unmade mind.

Lucille woke up early the next morning and went down to the kitchen were the maid was finishing making breakfast. She took the tray from the maid saying she would deliver it herself.

Once she got to Katie’s room, she called, “Katie, Katie. Are you well, are you awake? I have breakfast. Katie?”

After a few minutes of silence, Lucille budged the door open. She walked in and sat the tray down. There was no one in the room, or in the bed. As she looked around, she felt a slight breeze. She turned to the balcony.

Slowly, Lucille walked over to the balcony, calling, “Katie?”

There was no one on the balcony. Hesitantly, Lucille leaned over and looked down. There, laying on the lawn, was Katie, eyes wide open.

Sinking to her knees, Lucille cried out, “What have I done?”