There’s no point. This is done. Do you hear me? What’s the matter? Don’t just lie there in silence. Talk. Say something.

The silence continued. Her husband just laid there naked. Sheets and blankets were pushed aside. The cat made strange noises.

Do you remember the time we went on that trip to Florida. It was so hot. You said we’d save money by going in the summer. Who goes to Florida in the summer? she laughed, ran her fingers through his gray hair. The drive down there. Oh, that drive was something else. I remember we stopped in Savanah and went for a walk around town. All those weeping willows. Flowers. Orchids, I believe. Water. Lovely water, she continued stroking his hair. She placed her other arm around his belly.

You’ve got a bit of a paunch on you dear, she whispered. Yes, you’ve gained weight, she smiled. Better start taking care of yourself.

Tonight I’ll make grilled chicken and put it on a salad. It won’t hurt you to eat healthy, she got up and took her robe hanging on the door knob. You want coffee? she asked. You always want coffee, she opened the bedroom door. The cat stayed by her husband’s body.

I wish you’d say something. At least a good morning, she shook her head and walked down the hall. Made a pot of coffee. And waited for him.