Strain

A Story by Scott Troy

Its wasn't what she wanted. Lies an decadent promises met with a dull headache. She'd always found comfort with an early cup of coffee, yet now she sips a warm beer and can still feel the kiss nicotine on her lips. She sits an watches the morning sky catch up to the previous night. Her hands compromised with tremors and an ever growing fear. Her present state felt underwhelming given the current situation. She felt her conviction starting to slip away where it was so recently at her throat. She was scared, angry, and filled with regret. Hours ago convinced her heart was ripped out by a bad decision with dirty blond hair and a knack for xanax. The bottle of pills collecting dew beside her. Sun rising to meet her. She lifted her head as she felt a hand on her shoulder. He'd never given up on her. When so many already had. She stood up and fell into an embrace she'd felt countless times. Warm. Caring. Forgiving. She left the pills at that sunset. She replied to his affection, "..... I'm so sorry dad.."