Housewife | PUBLISHED | ✔︎

Chapter one

• IRENA •

The air hung thick with the bittersweet scent of mourning as I scanned the somber faces surrounding me.

 Viktor, the man we all gathered to bid farewell to, had been a shadowy figure in life. Yet in death, he was elevated to saint-like status, as if we mourned the loss of a hero rather than a wretched soul. 

As I observed the dark parade of mourners, tears streaming down their faces, my own soul stirred with a twisted sense of satisfaction. There was something satisfying in watching a man like Viktor finally pay for his sins. 

Though no one deserves to die, Viktor's death was different - he had earned every ounce of the slow, painful end I had inflicted upon him. I took solace in the fact that, at least for today, the world had one less monster roaming its shadows. 

On what should have been a somber and dreary day cloaked in sorrow, the sun was radiant and the sky was a brilliant shade of blue. Nature was alive with the sweet sound of songbirds and the hum of busy bees, as though blatantly rejoicing the loss of someone who had caused them so much distress. 

On one side, my uncles sat stoic, their faces as unyielding as stone. No hint of sadness graced their scowls — only a fierce resentment smouldered in their eyes. They were furious that Viktor was gone. I sensed their bewilderment at how a man with no organ medical issues could suffer a fatal heart attack.

 However, unlike my uncles, I could hardly conceal my happiness. I sobered myself up for appearances, allowing tears to spill down my cheeks, masking my true feelings. As a grieving widow, I'm forced to put on a façade of sadness - one that would fool even my own uncles.

 Despite knowing the truth about Viktor's abusive behaviour, they chose to overlook it and leave me to suffer in silence. I was all alone, with no one to turn to for help. But I refused to let them see me break. In a moment of suspicion, my uncle Krzysztof caught my stare, but I remained stoic, unwilling to reveal my true emotions. 

The cries of the mourners only added to the already heavy atmosphere, and I couldn't wait for this funeral to be over - so I could finally start picking up the pieces of my shattered life. The priest declared his completion and called for others to deliver their speeches. Originally, Viktor's parents were meant to speak, but since they have passed away and he has no siblings, he only has distant cousins and extended family to rely on. 

I was chosen to speak for him as his wife. As I stood up, I felt the weight of his absence settle on my shoulders like a leaden cloak. With trembling hands, I smoothed down the sleek silk of my black dress and made my way to the stage. 

All eyes were on me, their expressions ranging from sympathy to curiosity. I took hold of the microphone, my nerves thrumming like a live wire. Gazing out at the sea of faces, I was struck by a sense of deja vu - it was the same crowd that had gathered to witness Viktor and I exchange our vows. But this time, it wasn't a joyful celebration, but a mournful farewell.