You captured it so perfectly- The monstrous trees, their orange leaves allowed the sun to peek through the Fall flavor – The gravel road marked the spot, securing its place in the middle of nature. It had unknowingly became a makeshift grave for a woman whom for a decade now had no home. The duffel bag she carried sat empty along the path. Her belongings scattered across the ground, they no longer held meaning. All she had was gone including her last breath.
You stood yards back, snapped the picture and then had the audacity to take the film to the store for development. They could have turned you in but most assuredly they didn’t notice your crime or didn’t care enough to report it. After all, there was no direct effect on them. I’m sure their earbuds filled their brains with fictional crime podcasts or music that lacked meaning.
With nothing more than an ugly shade of nail polish, you painted over her body and pinned the photograph to your refrigerator with a pizza delivery magnet, the phone number is now out of service.
As I stand here ashamed of what you had done. I can’t help but to remember how you taught me that laughter is contagious. I chuckled a bit from the next room when I heard your recliner slide backwards as you giggled at the television. You were old and forgetful. I convinced myself that you didn’t realize your mistake. I love you unconditionally because you will forever be my dad. I contemplate putting a pillow over your face.
