Fiction Short Story

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Fiction Short Story

by Stephen D. Rogers

Will Power

Today's visit was strained. My daughter was withdrawn and fidgety, even now pulling at her lips with thin fingers. On the other side of my bed, her husband was his usual falsely cheerful self.

I saw through Thomas from the very beginning. My daughter was sure that he loved her. I was sure that he loved the idea of eventually inheriting my money. Unfortunately, I was proven right.

Thomas smiled. "So how are the nurses treating you?"

"Well enough, thank you. Marissa, she has three children and two dogs, or maybe two children and three dogs, brings me homemade banana bread."

Sally let go of her lip long enough to speak. "I would have baked something, Mom, but there wasn't time."

"I know dear. I was just observing how nice the people are here."

Thomas nodded. "That's wonderful. I see they still let you sew."

I glanced at the pile of fabric on the ledge. "Yes. Hobbies help pass the time. I'm making bonnets for Marissa's twin girls."

Sally frowned. She had always wanted children. Thomas didn't. He said there was a history of genetic illness in his family but I think the only illness there was greed. He didn't like the idea of grandchildren taking a slice of my money.

My daughter suddenly stood. "Mom, if you'll excuse me, I need some fresh air."

"You just take your time. The garden is lovely right now. Some of the ladies have even started planting their own little patches."

As soon as Sally closed the door behind her, Thomas stood and began pacing my little home away from home. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"You know what. We talked on the telephone yesterday for an hour about it."

I rearranged my comforter. "Sally wants a divorce and you won't sign the papers unless I promise you half of my estate."

"That's right. I'd ask for more, but Sally might be able to fight it in court. But half? That's not unreasonable. Haven't I been the loving son-in-law, visiting you regularly?"

"You certainly have visited me regularly."

"So, did you draw up the will?"

I nodded. "My lawyer was here yesterday. Marissa signed as witness."

"And she brought you banana bread. That girl is bucking for employee of the month."

"As I said, they're very nice here." I took a deep breath. "I expect you to sign the divorce papers with no mention of our little agreement. Sally doesn't need to know anything about the new will."

Thomas stopped and stared at me as if he could frighten out the truth. "And how do I know you won't just write another one cutting me out once the divorce is final?"

"My lawyer added language so that only the distribution of Sally's portion can ever be changed."

My son-in-law smiled. "Excellent."

"I assume you have a safety deposit box somewhere that Sally doesn't know about. A will is an important document and I don't want her coming across it by accident."

"I'll get one this afternoon. Thanks for the suggestion."

Shifting in the bed, I controlled my face so he wouldn't have the pleasure of seeing how much it hurt. "You could have made her happy you know."

"She's the one who chooses to be unhappy."

"Sally only wants children."

"After the divorce, she can remarry and have as many as she wants. It won't matter to me."

Sally once believed he loved her. I don't know how long it took her to discover she was wrong but my heart broke for her. She deserved better than Thomas.

I'd see my little girl happy if it was the last thing I did.

"I want you to sign those divorce papers today. Sign them and give them to Sally without argument."

Thomas agreed as he stepped closer. "So where's this will?"

I reached under my pillow and handed it to him.

He looked at me in disbelief. "You wrote it on fabric?" He held the white piece of linen by two fingers as though it were a dirty handkerchief.

"My lawyer said it was legal and fabric was the only material available. The business office was closed at lunch when he arrived or he would have borrowed some letterhead."

"So long as it's legal." Thomas started to read. "I can't believe you used a purple pen."

"Again, it was all I had."

I watched him devour the document, certain he was able to follow the complicated language well enough to feel his position secure.

"This looks good."

"I instructed my lawyer to make sure he didn't leave any loopholes. No matter what happens, that will promises you half of everything."

For the first time, Thomas smiled a genuine smile. "I'm sorry it had to come to this."

"I just want Sally to be happy."

At that moment, the door opened and my daughter entered the room. Thomas turned away and quickly folded the will into his shirt pocket.

I asked Sally if she was feeling better.

"Yes, thanks. I'm sorry about that, Mom. I guess I didn't sleep too well last night." She glanced at Thomas.

"That's quite all right. The air in here does tend to get stuffy. Thomas and I were just chatting about sewing."

"Really?"

Thomas nodded. "Your mother is quite a woman." He pointed at the time. "Unfortunately, we really must be going."

"Thanks for visiting, both of you. It means a lot to an old lady."

Sally kissed me on the cheek while Thomas watched from a distance.

After the ritual exchange of quick good-byes, they left.

I breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Sally would get her divorce. I only hoped she would make a better choice next time.

As to Thomas, well I hadn't been entirely honest with him. The will did promise everything I said. The purple pen, however, used disappearing ink meant for tracing patterns. After seventy-two hours, Thomas would find his safety deposit box contained nothing more than an unmarked piece of white linen.

© Copyright 2003 Stephen D. Rogers

About the Author:

Over two hundred and fifty of Stephen's stories and poems have been selected to appear in over a hundred publications. When not setting down words, he is busy keeping http://www.stephendrogers.com safe for visitors.