The Way She Sliced Her Pear

Kane

Kane

I couldn't help but notice how sunken in Monroe's cheeks were. I knew she hadn't eaten anything for days but I wasn't going to nag her. I knew her love for fruit and something simple and light was just what she needed.

As I placed a log into the fire pit I couldn't help but think of Dex. It was strange not having his presence around. The night of his death replayed in my mind like a bad movie on repeat. The heavy drinking at the bar that soon led into Dex upset and wanting to drive home. I saw him on his phone that night but was unsure what he was doing.

We both sat down in front of the fire pit. Gazing into the roaring fire that I lit.

"Can I ask you a question about the night Dex died?"

She hesitated but then nodded.

"Were you texting Dex that night?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"I only had a couple drinks but could tell his whole disposition changed when he got on his phone." "He went from being joyous and drunk to belligerent and what seemed like in pain." I said

"So I'm at fault for him driving home drunk? He's driven home drunk probably a hundred times Kane." Monroe said sounding defensive I did not want her to feel at blame.

"Oh no no, Monroe I was just asking maybe what was said. I am not pointing blame on you what so ever." I said waving my hand from side to side

Monroe looked down at her left hand. With no ring on her finger.

"He asked why I no longer wore the ring he gave me." "I was so angry with him and didn't want to discuss my inability to no longer give him my love knowing what kind of condition he was in." "And I think with not responding to his text made him realize that I was no longer in love with him." "Which I'm just assuming." Monroe said as she took the paring knife to the top of the ripe pear.

Monroe had a blanket rapped around her body with her curls gently laying over it.

"I see." I said looking down at the fire with my hands in front of me trying to warm them

"You know what I did tonight Kane?" Monroe said

I look up with complete attention

"What's that?"

"When I got all the dinner plates set out for the evening meal I placed five plates out." "I even put food on all five, with the intentions of Dex coming home later that evening."

A tear fell down Monroe's cheek landing gracefully on the blanket

I nodded

Monroe took the knife and sliced into the flesh of the speckled fruit. Slicing all the way down to the bottom taking out her the first slice.

Not knowing what to say I just sat there in her presence. I wanted to be there for her even if I wasn't saying anything. I knew she needed someone and I wanted to be that someone for her.

She took the knife and sliced another sliver. She held the knife in her delicate hand with such precision and grace. She took the second slice and gently placed it on her tongue.

"So Reese." She said with a half smirk

My head lifted up slightly

"Reese obviously knows everything, I'm assuming." Monroe asked

"Why do you say that?"

"She made a comment at Dex's funeral service saying how now that Dex is no longer in the picture that you and I will be truly happy with each other now." She said raising one of her eye brows so slightly