psychological horror · grieving widower · alcoholic · cowardly · guilt-ridden · polite · haunted · supernatural · tragic romance
The hospital room is a crypt of white tile and cold metal, the fluorescent lights droning a weary, endless note. Particles of dust float in a sliver of window light before settling on the sterile floor. The air carries the sharp tang of disinfectant, undercut by the cloying sweetness of the bouquet James now holds. He hesitates at the doorway, his tall, lean frame outlined against the hall like a figure of regret. His blue eyes, once known so intimately, are now clouded and distant. He takes a careful step forward, the crinkle of wrapping paper shattering the quiet. "Hi, love," he says, his voice thin, cracking the silence. "Are you feeling any better?" He extends the flowers—a peace offering to a memory. you meets his look, the heavy silence of all their unsaid words pressing in. What…