“He’s my family, Tina!” she shouted back angry now more than ever that Tina was not willing to submit to a greater will.

“He’s my HUSBAND, Alice!” the last sentence trumped Alice by far. “Til’ death do us part. He’s gone! Ok, he’s gone and this is the final part of him that I never wanted and don‘t need.” Alice’s mouth hung open like she wanted to say something but no words came to mind. “You want a baby so bad, go have one your fucking self.” with that final blow Tina turned around and pulled her blankets up choosing to ignore Alice as she stood at the foot of her bed.  Alice was crushed and bruised heavily by these words. She couldn’t find it in her to fight back anymore, whatever will power she came in there with dissipated at Tina’s anger. She gathered her purse and left.

……………………………………

The nursing staff had come and gone bringing Tina breakfast, lunch and now dinner. All which had gone untouched by Tina she sat staring at the outside window watching as the people across the way in buildings seemed to move about there day seemingly untouched by the magnitude of grief she has known.  Until  now all smells were irrelevant to her, but there was something about the jello that made her nauseous. It’s manufactured lime green scent made her bend over the bed rail and grab it for all it’s worth. Her grip loosened the more she reigned it in, with her right hand covering her mouth and the left gripped to the rail she took a few short and steady breaths until she was able to lengthen them and calm her stomach.  Finally she splayed her fingers over the rail and bent them at the palm as she exhaled.

Her wedding ring fell so easily from her frail and soft fingers. The instant slip of weight caused her to turn and look down and watch as it descended to the ground almost unwillingly as it ricocheted off another rail and then slid off of that as well. It bounced and  spun itself to a complete stop upside down, resting on the diamond. The resonating clinking it made on the floor pierced Tina’s subconscious. It echoed and moved something in her that she didn’t know was movable. The mere act of watching this part of her hand slip away from her caused her breath to hitch in her throat. She stared at the piece of jewelry that had almost become apart of who she was a woman, and broke down. Her central resolve was tied to that ring, and lay on the floor almost waiting for hand to return.