Patricia Potter

Today's The Day
by Catharine

Diane awoke suddenly. ‘Today’s the day’ she thought. She sat up in bed, looked to the left…to the right. Her eyes began to feel with tears. If only he was there, he would wipe them away. He would comfort her. But she was crying because he couldn’t do that. She had to face everyone, today of all days. She just had to. She knew she would regret everyday for the rest of her life if she didn’t. ‘Life’. Interesting life, it can disappear in just the click of a finger. Gone!
Diane stood up and opened the curtains. The sun was up. She looked at the black suit hanging on the wardrobe door, then at the bed. The space where he would have slept. She changed into the suit then headed downstairs. She brushed her hair then stopped, gazed into the mirror. Up or down. He always liked it down. She would have her hair down. She headed in the direction of the kitchen when the door went. Diane opened it hoping to see him there smiling at her.
‘Are you ready?’ she heard Kath say. With a feeble nod they headed out the door and on to the church. On the way she could feel her eyes filling with tears again. ‘Not yet.’ she kept telling herself.
Soon after Diane found herself looking at the coffin being lowered into the grave. She looked up; she didn’t know why. She could see a figure, walking towards her. It was him! Then, he was gone. She felt a hand on her shoulder, could it be his? She never knew, for at that moment she just fainted.
Ric ; I do.
Vicar; I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Those words swarmed around Diane’s head.
'Diane. Diane!'
Kath's words began to swarm. Diane opened her eyes. People were bent over her. Kath said something. Diane couldn't make put what. Diane found herself in a car. Kath asked if she was ok. Diane nodded. Kath took Diane home where she sat on the sofa. She really missed him...she missed him so much. She started crying. He's not coming back.
Kath came from the kitchen. 'Here.' she said.
Kath gave Diane the cup of tea. Diane looked up at the mirror. She could see him there. He was there! Gone. She was seeing things?
Is this what grief had done to her?
Without thinking Diane said to Kath; 'Can you leave me on my own for a while please?’ Kath nodded and left.
Diane went to the kitchen. She was a seniour general surgical registrar. She knew what was needed. She knew the required amount.
'Where are they?' Diane found herself saying. Diane found the box. She kept looking. There was another box. She took the 2 boxes into the lounge. She opened them and began to take the tablets one by one... one by one.
She took them all then thought, 'Not long now.'
Diane stood up and looked into the mirror. He was standing there again. What had she done? He wouldn't have wanted her to...
She picked up the phone, called Kath and told her. Diane sat on the sofa and waited. She was beginning to feel tired...so tired. She felt sick...so sick.
Was that a bright light she could see in front of her? She saw Ric! He was talking to her. 'No. Diane, its not your time. Go back. Its not your time.' His voice was interrupted by Kath’s. 'Diane. wake up Diane.'
But Diane didn't want to wake up...