Torn by guilt

Louise’s hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white. Her throat tightened, a wave of nausea rising in her chest. Unshed tears stung her eyes as she watched Monique's world crumble around her.

Guilt gnawed at her, a relentless beast unleashed by her own actions.

A lump formed in Louise's throat, her heart echoing the raw pain radiating from Monique.

Twice the little girl's heart had been shattered, and it was all because of her. If she hadn't insisted on driving Sahara to Clinton, she would be safe at home, nestled in her own bed. The scent of lavender lotion and the soft murmur of a bedtime story would be filling the air instead of the deafening silence that pressed down on her now.

Shaking her head slowly in sorrow, Louise stepped away, leaving Monique to her soul-shattering grief. The deafening silence that pressed down spoke volumes. In that silent space, Louise knew there were no words, no apologies, that could mend the broken pieces of this day.

~~~~~~~~~