This is a Mothers Day Tribute Teaser from my upcoming release, DRAWN. Enjoy.
***
“Son, you can’t always tell. Take your
mother, for instance. Not everyone knew she was sick. They couldn’t really tell
until right at the very en…” His words trail off and he covers his mouth.
“Excuse me.” He stands and rounds the couch to head to the bathroom.
I
lean back and close my eyes. An image of Mom appears. Her tumble of hair, like
spun gold, contrasts her mocha-hued skin. As a fashion blogger, some couture
houses sent her free and discounted clothes, which she wore proudly. In my
vision, Mom twirls in a candy apple red, ruffled ball gown for a Heart Healthy
Valentine’s Day Art Gala… showing Mr. Cassisi’s art.
Dad
returns. I sigh. Actually, it’s more of a groan.
Dad
offers me a handkerchief, pointing to my cheek. I hadn’t even realized a tear
was there. Numb, I guess.
“What
the hell, Dad? I mean really, why is everyone being taken from me?” More tears
threaten. The lump in my throat nearly closes my airway.
After
a deep breath, Dad wraps his arms around me. Memories of Mr. Cassisi and Mom
collide like storm fronts and tears spill down my cheeks, dampening Dad’s shirt
at the shoulder.
“I’m
still here, son. We’ll face it together. You and me. Promise.” He stands. “You
want anything to drink?”
“Yeah,
I’ll take a double on the rocks.”
“One
tall glass of water with ice coming up.”
I
follow him to the kitchen. My vision hazes from unspent tears. “Dad, can I ask
you a question?”
He
leans on the counter like he’s steadying himself. “Anything, you know that.
That was our rule, right? No secrets. No trap doors.”
I
press my lips tight, unsure if my mouth will even form the words. Then it
tumbles out. “You know how Orpheus descended into the Underworld to save
Eurydice?”
He
nods. “Sure. We have a painting to that effect at the museum.”
“If
you had the chance to––”
“Stop
right there.” He holds his hand up, the one still bearing his wedding ring. You
don’t even have to finish.” He sighs so hard, and his dark eyes swim with
tears. “I would risk death every single day and three times on Friday to rescue
your mother if I could. To hold her hand again. To gaze into her eyes.” His
voice cracks in a whisper. “To twirl my fingers in her golden locks again.”
He
wipes the corner of his eye and continues, “Our love transcends death, Cameron.
Energy never dies. It simply transfers from one existence to another.” He
sniffles. “And besides, I’d never fear dying while trying to save her because
either way, we win.”
*****
Hope you enjoyed the Teaser. Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there.
DRAWN releases in less than a month. Pre-Order your copy now.
Website:
Http://csledbetter.com
Wattpad Teaser:
http://www.wattpad.com/story/37303967-drawn
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23842764-drawn
