Foreign Language- FB-FWG 300 word flash fiction based on the picture below. Drama- Triggers:Adoption

She donned a black dress, flowing past the knees. A sweater covered her delicate shoulders, forewarned about the weather before her journey across seas. Her heel caught between two stones on the pathway to her destination. She let out a dainty scream in frustration as she twisted her leg around to free herself.

    A familiar voice spoke from a distance. “Sprichst du Deutsch?” 

   “Nein.” She responded, both fluent, chuckled.

   “How have you been, Chloe? I’m surprised to see you here.” Estranged since high school.

   “I owe this much to Frau Hicks. If it weren’t for her, I would’ve never made it past twelfth grade or at all.” She lowered her head. “Jeremie Faircloth, what brings you here?” She solemnly looked back towards him with a slight smile.

   “She was an excellent German teacher – learned a lot that year.” She knew the ending of his subtle remark was intended for her.

   “I made the best decision by letting Frau adopt our baby. I wasn’t ready to be a mother.” Her eye contact showed no remorse. 

“I deserved a choice in the matter. I knew nothing about your plans until Frau informed me before moving back here.”

“I should’ve told you.” Reaching for his hand, he jerked away.

   “I suppose you’re here to see our daughter.” 

   “And pay my respects to Frau Hicks.” She reiterated.

   “This should come as deserved karma. You will find her obituary reads Frau Faircloth. I married her, we raised Shelby together. I always intended on doing the right thing.”

Chloe placed her hand on her stomach, queasy from the news.

“Shelby’s at the church with her siblings. I suppose that’s where you’re headed. We can walk together.”

   “You had more children?” Chloe asked.

   “That was always your problem, you never realized life existed beyond you, Chloe.”