Strange Meeting

Luke startles at the feel of a hand on his shoulder. He doesn't like being this jumpy but circumstances are contriving to make him this way. He needs something to steady himself. Just a little something. He won't drink the whole bottle...

The shock of pink shellac in his peripheral vision doesn't register until he'd turns to see an older woman, smiling weakly but warmly at him. He recognises the face but he can't wholly place it. Lines around the eyes and mouth speak of hardship but there is kindness in their depth and Luke is presented with a flash of something from memory: sitting at the table in a small kitchen; a plate of crackers and cheese being placed in front of him; a feeling of warmth and care that dissipates like steam with the sound of a key in the front door and the fierce slam shortly afterwards.

"I thought it was you but wasn't sure. Luke, isn't it?"

He examines her, his scrutiny bemusing to her, until her eyebrows knit and she goes to tell him her name but he beats her to it, the momentary pause perceived by her as forgetfulness, but for Luke, it's the tremor of remembering that has caused him to falter.

"Mrs Wright! How are you?" He manages to throw the words out.

It is Mark's mum. Luke has never met her in this supermarket, in all his years of coming here. He feels like this is coincidence in its darkest manifestation.

"Not too bad, love. And you?"

They exchange the pleasantries of small talk, circling around the subject by which they are linked inextricably, her son, his friend, Mark.

The queue has moved and it is Luke's turn to have his items scanned. It's a welcome reprieve to empty his basket. He is suddenly ashamed of its contents. It speaks of an empty life. He wishes he'd put the Scotch back but it's too late now.

He pays and turns, blurting impulsively, "And how's Mark doing?"

Her face shrinks, whitens and she looks stricken, like she may faint.

Luke reaches for her to steady her and without her saying anything he knows that Mark is with Laney.

***

366 words

So, what happened to Mark? And does this change things?

This started here:

Yesterday's story is here:

Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.

279/366