Isobell was sick of wearing black. Her beloved Frank had passed some time ago; exactly how long, she could no longer recall. It simultaneously felt like yesterday and years ago. But she did know she was tired of somber clothing and the sadness it wrapped around her. She missed Frank’s sense of humor and gregariousness and brightness he always had around him.
Linsey and Erin had been trying to get her out of the house for weeks. Isobell knew their intentions were good, but she hadn’t felt ready to leave the cocoon of her home. Then one day, when Spring’s skies finally offered a healthy dose of sun and warmth against the cool ocean breeze, Linsey was once more at her door knocking.
“Enough. Let’s go.” Linsey stood in the doorway, hands on her hips. Isobell looked over Linsey’s shoulder and saw Erin, Erin’s mother, Francis, and Erin’s little girl, Margot, on Francis’ lap, all in the buggy. “We’re going for a ride,” Linsey said, and her hand on Isobell’s arm told her “no” was not an option.
They clip-clopped down the main road, passing grocers and blacksmiths and fish shops, the salty ocean smell strong in the warming afternoon air. Linsey steered the wagon off the thoroughfare and onto hard-packed sand that led to the beach. She encouraged the horse with a “hep-up!” when the sand started to bog the wheels down. Along the water’s edge they rode, the tide slowly retreating, its waves gentle.
Little Margot, on her grandmother’s lap and peering up from under the brim of her hat, started waving her hands frantically at the seagulls swooping and diving above them. Francis laughed at the toddler, who then waved more frantically. Screeching and squawking, the birds flew lower, brazenly looking for food opportunities.
Isobell tilted her head up, feeling the sun on her face, the ocean mist soaking into her skin. Yes, she needed this. She felt the dull hole in her heart that Frank had left behind. Frank, let me know it will all be okay, she prayed to herself. I feel like I’ll never laugh again.
A slight tap on the brim of her hat and audible splot made Isobell open her eyes, where she saw white goop dripping from the brim of her hat and onto her lap. She was too startled to be repulsed. Margot squealed at this new development, which made Linsey and Erin turn to see what all the fuss was about. They promptly burst out laughing, which started Isobell laughing, a feeling and sound she hadn’t felt in her soul in ages.
Okay, Frank, I know it will all be okay.