They spoke in low voices. Quiet. Hushed tones. Lying in bed. A darkness filled the room. Sounds of cars passing by. Doors slammed down the hall. The time, 3:00 a.m. flashed on the clock radio. It wasn’t the time. Sun was about to come up.

He sat up on the edge of the mattress. She lay on her side. Grabbed his watch on the nightstand and looked at the engravement on the back. To my son, it read. Love Dad.

Putting on his boots, he placed a hand on her hip. She smiled. Shame you have to go, she said. Do anything to make you stay? he shook his head.

I gotta get going, he whispered. Today is a big day, the young man stood up. The sounds of garbage cans being dragged across concrete bothered her. She placed her hands over her ears. I said, today is a big day, she pointed to outside the window. Right, he said. It’s Wednesday. Trash day.

What time is the funeral? she asked.

Noon.

Are you carrying the casket? he nodded. You and your cousins, huh? he touched her face. Leaned in and kissed her.

I gotta go.

You coming here tonight? he shook his head. I mean. If you have to be with her, it’s all right.

He whispered goodbye and walked out the door. He sat in his truck and looked at the watch. He cried.