A TANGLE OF LIGHT 

By Tessa Harvey


    Anabelle stared at the dark outside. With the inside lights off, she could just make out her gorgeous red dahlias being tossed and trampled by the heavy rain and increasing wind. She couldn't remember such a storm. Part of her mind struggled with the problem of the garden, but was soon swamped by the concerns for her husband and daughter out in such a tempest. 
    Perhaps Jack would talk a little with her tonight. Perhaps her daughter would have time....Headlights flashed through the slash of rain and she went to greet them at the side kitchen door, grateful for the drive-in garage with the internal entry to the house.
    As soon as the awkward meal was over, Adrienne scuttled to her room and texted her friends. Responses were varied, ranging from "Seriously? Is this for real?" from Ella, then "So what?" from Jono, her current boyfriend. Adrienne was a little surprised. She had thought he would be more sympathetic and told him so. He backed down. "Okay, okay A.D, fine. No worries. Want a drink with me after work tomorrow - can't go out in this stuff. Chill, honey!"
"I'm already chilled," she thought wryly, and wondered that the incident had changed her so. She felt older, and sad.
    Exhausted, she headed for bed. Engulfed in blankets, a drowsy warmth overtook her and she slept deeply.
    But in the morning she wondered about the old woman and then resolved to find out.

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