Five Minute Freewrite: Lonely In The Crowd

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Beverly has seen her husband almost take his last breath but somehow he manages to claw back to life. This has happened several times and with each occasion Beverly wishes him well.

Joe has been suffering from throat cancer for over three years now. The ailment has gone into the advanced stages. That means that he is no longer working but most times stays on his sick bed. He has only his supportive wife Beverly to keep him company.

Most of his friends hardly come around to cheer him up. It is always Beverly and that too has affected her job. She snow works from house.

Beverly observed recently that the husband talks less these days, becomes most time unaware of his immediate environment. These telling signs informed Beverly that the end is finally near.

She summoned the courage and called the husband's friends, neighbours and immediate family members to see him probably for the last time before he goes to the great beyond.

Joe just lay on his sick bed, apparently guessing at the sympathetic crowd. He does not even feel their presence. They call him out softly and he does not respond. That's quite unusual of him. He seems to be lonely in the crowd. After a few prayers they dispased, leaving Beverly alone with Joe.

That same day, in fact few house later Joe started gasping for his breath. It became vigorous and few seconds later all was quiet. Beverly nodded and shook her head bitterly. Few drops of tears could be seen flying down from her eyes. That's it, she finally managed to mutter.

A Five Minute Freewrite: Lonely In The Crowd