Sharlene's husband had arrived. She just glanced at them—him and Sheila—sitting beside each other, laughing and chatting like there was nothing wrong. She pretended not to care.
With a deep sigh, Sharlene turned to Ashley, who stood silently by her side. The little girl was trying to get her father's attention, but he wasn't even looking at her. It broke Sharlene's heart. Ashley had a father, but he treated her like she didn't exist.
Tonight was busy again. They were preparing to bring her grandmother to her final resting place. Sharlene had taken a leave from work just to be here—for all this.
A small tug on her sleeve drew her attention. She looked down to meet Ashley's sad eyes. The child didn't say a word, but Sharlene could feel the heaviness in her silence.
"Why?" Sharlene asked gently, stroking her daughter's cheek.
Ashley shook her head. "Mom, I'm going to rest for a bit," she said quietly.
Sharlene picked her up. It was late, and her child needed sleep. As they passed the two still engrossed in conversation, Martin called out to her.
"Sharlene."
She stopped and looked at him with a steady, unreadable expression.
"I want to carry Ashley," he said with a casual smile.
"She waited for you earlier," Sharlene said calmly. "But now she's tired. She's going to sleep."
She held back the anger rising in her chest.
"My bad, my bad," Martin said with a chuckle. "Sheila and I just got caught up in our talk. I didn't notice Ash."
Her blood boiled.
"Go ahead—don't let us interrupt your conversation," she said flatly, her eyes locked on them.
"S–Sharlene, sorry if you feel that way," Sheila replied, flashing a gentle smile. "We'll take care of Ashley if you want—"
But Sharlene could see Ashley shrinking away from them, refusing to go near. She ignored Sheila's offer. Her daughter needed rest and comfort, not false attention.
She turned and walked away.
"Sharlene! Sharlene!" Sheila called after her, but she didn't stop. She walked straight to the bedroom and laid Ashley on the bed.
"Don't worry," she whispered. "Mom won't leave your side until you fall asleep."
She kissed Ashley's forehead as the child looked up at her with tired, sad eyes.
"What do you want Mom to do?" Sharlene asked softly.
Ashley smiled faintly. "Just stay by my side until I fall asleep."
Sharlene nodded, lying down beside her and letting the child hug her arm. She gently caressed her cheek until Ashley finally drifted off to sleep.
Carefully, Sharlene got up, adjusted the blanket to keep her warm, and stepped out of the room.
Outside, someone was waiting. She sighed and walked past him. Martin followed.
"Apologize to Sheila, Sharlene," he said coldly.
Sharlene stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing. "What sin have I committed that I need to apologize for?"
"You disrespected her. That woman took the time to sympathize with you, and this is how you repay her?" he said, arms crossed, looking at her from head to toe with disdain.
Sharlene's brow furrowed.
"Disrespect? Big word coming from you, Martin," she snapped.
He stepped closer, glaring at her. "If you can't respect my guest, I'm warning you, Sharlene—something bad will happen."
She didn't flinch. "Tell me exactly how I disrespected her, Martin."
But he only shook his head and walked off.
"You really are a disgusting woman," he muttered before storming out of the house.
Sharlene clenched her fists and dropped onto the couch. Her thoughts swirled—was she wrong to keep holding onto something so clearly broken? She was more afraid of what this was doing to Ashley than anything else.
Her hand trembled with self-directed anger.
You really are hopeless, Sharlene, she told herself.
She closed her eyes and leaned back, trying to calm her heart.
"Sis."
Sharlene turned her head to see Tashia approaching.
"Tashia," she sighed.
"Are you okay?" Tashia asked gently.
"Sorry. I'm just a bit tired," she admitted.
Tashia looked around. "Where's Ashley?"
"She's sleeping soundly," Sharlene replied with a soft smile.
"Can I check on her?"
"O—Of course," she said, a little surprised by Tashia's quiet kindness.
"Are Martin and Sheila still outside?" she asked.
"They already left," Tashia replied. "They both have work tomorrow."
"Good," Sharlene muttered.
Tashia looked at her curiously. "Why? Did something happen?"
"Ah… no," she stammered. "I just meant they needed to go home. It's late."
Tashia didn't push further. "I'll visit Ashley first. You rest—I'll take care of things."
"Thank you, Tashia," Sharlene whispered gratefully.
Her forehead throbbed. As she rubbed it, she suddenly felt someone sit beside her. Her skin prickled.
She looked over—no one was there.
But the air had turned cold. A breeze brushed her arm, and her body tensed. She moved away slightly, but the feeling of being watched didn't go away.
Calm down, Sharlene.
She tried to shake it off—until she saw a woman dressed in mourning clothes.
Sharlene's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't scream. She couldn't move.
The woman had no face, but she was staring.
And then… she smiled.
"Shhh..."
A whisper danced with the wind, and Sharlene's throat went dry.