Operation Endurance

CHAPTER 30

He watched her under the sweeping branches of the willow tree surrounding the pond in the small park. Like clockwork, she was here every Wednesday evening, crying underneath this tree. He’d spotted her the first time four weeks ago and had been drawn to her. She was perfect as one of his special ones. She was young, probably only twenty years old or so. Her dark short hair ruffled in the breeze coming off the pond.

Her pain was palpable and he planned to help her. He needed to help her. Only he could free her from this pain and in return, she’d help him in his quest to free Jocelyn from her pain.

He had a pretty good idea about why she chose this particular park to mourn in since it bordered the hospital property.

He slowly approached her, not wanting to startle her. He leaned up against the tree nonchalantly and crossed his arms. “My wife died there three years ago. It helps me to come back where she was last alive. I understand if you want to talk about it.”

She sniffled as she peered up at him with leery, watery eyes. She just shook her head and went back to watching the ducks on the pond.

He continued, using a kind gentle voice, working to lure her in and appear non-threatening. “The first year is the worst, but what they say is true, it does get easier. The key is to get to the point where you can sleep again.”

“I wake up and expect him to be there.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.

He nodded. “Yeah, that’s the worst. Between that and when you first arrive home, expecting them to be in the house somewhere and hearing only silence instead.”

She quietly began to sob again. He reached into his pocket to draw out a handkerchief. “It’s okay, it’s clean. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make it worse.”

Taking the handkerchief from him, she shook her head. “You didn’t. I’m sorry. I’m just a mess. It’s actually nice to talk to someone who understands. It’s only been two months and there are days that it feels like I’ll never feel normal again.”

He nodded with understanding. “For what you’re going through, that is normal. It really is okay. It’s just part of the grief. By the way, I’m Tom.” He extended an arm out to her and gave her his most charming smile.

She smiled shyly back at him, the tears in her eyes breaking his heart. He’d help her.

“Hi, Tom. I’m Caitlyn.”

“Listen I know this may seem weird, but would you like to go get a cup of coffee and talk some more? It really does help.”

She looked warily around the park. “I don’t know. I don’t really know you.”

“Smart girl, but I promise you, I’m not an axe-murderer.”

She hesitated a moment before nodding. Julie always told her classes that most attackers were people who seemed perfectly nice. It was amazing to him how trusting women continued to be, but he was going to help in the end, so that was okay. She was going to be number ten.