He pleaded, "Miss Barren, you can't do this. Eleanor is my spouse. I was the most important person in her life. Surely she'd want to be laid to rest beside me after her passing. I beg you, don't separate us. Please, return Eleanor to me."
Alma retorted, "Return her for what purpose? Gerald, why are you still here pretending to care so deeply now that Eleanor is gone?"
She added, "I can see right through you. You're just here to confirm if Eleanor has truly passed, if you'll face legal consequences, and if there's a chance for you and Joanne to continue your affair!"
The oppressive quiet outside seemed to stifle my thoughts. It was astounding how powerful the influence of a childhood sweetheart could be.
Even after two lifetimes, Gerald's first thought was still of Joanne. Fortunately, none of this mattered to me anymore.
A loud thud broke my reverie. Gerald was frantically banging on the door, trying to explain, "Miss Barren, you've got it all wrong!"