A Smile
The rain beat against her window, the clouds a thick barrier of gray in the sky. Water traced its way down the glass, and she put a wrinkled finger against the cold surface, tracing the drops in their race to the bottom.
She could hear Lisa in the kitchen, no doubt making dinner for her and Fluffy. They would eat together, she would help Mrs. Smith to bed, and then she would either leave or sleep in the guest room.
It was lonely in the house.
A loud chime echoed throughout the house, bringing Mrs. Smith out of her soft thoughts. She registered the doorbell, and smiled. It was odd-she hadn't smiled since....yesterday. She was sure she smiled yesterday.
She knew who it was. She could see her son as clearly as if he was standing right in front of her--pale, blonde, and strapping in his military uniform, his smile brighter than the sun shining on his hair.
She called Lisa to her side, and the nurse helped her to her feet, handing the old lady her walker.
"Someone's at the door," she croaked. "Lisa, dear, will you get the door?"
She saw Lisa's face fill with pity, but she couldn't imagine why--this was a happy day. Her son had come home.
Lisa led her out of the room, keeping a gentle hand on her arm as she shuffled towards the door. Lisa reached out, and turned the knob, drawing the door towards them and revealing the front porch. Mrs. Smith looked out eagerly, waiting to see her son's smiling face.
But when she came, no one was there. Just the rain, and the gray.
Her smile faded.
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