[ WP ] You just bumped into the man who killed your wife and child .

`` Sorry'', I muttered as the shoulder gently bumped mine as I stood at the register. I finished the text to my father, placing the smooth plastic device back into my pocket. I glanced up as the young cashier placed my coffee on the counter, offering a polite smile as I inhaled the fresh draw of the domestic brew. 
 
 `` No, no, my apologies''. 
 
 The kind, familiar voice of of the elderly gentleman startled me. I closed my eyes and slowly inhaled as images of the accident rushed to the forefront of my thoughts. Sirens filled my ears, my eyes blinded by the flashing lights, and the cries of anguish. 
 
 It had been a year since that brisk night of August 17. A year spent waking up alone, my sheets stiff with the isolation of a single body intertwined with woven thread. It had been a year since what was left of my heart had finally broke. 
 
 I exhaled. The instant sweat breezing coolly as the fan above my head gusted rhythmically down my neck. My thoughts digressed as I quickly brought myself down from the adrenaline rush, I shook my head once to bring myself back to reality. 
 
 I smiled politely, looking up at the man's eyes before looking back down again, `` How are you, John?''. I took a sip of my coffee, the scalding liquid quickly burning my tongue, causing my eyes to well up a little. 
 
 `` I'm great Snow_Falls, how are you? It's been a while since we've spoken.'' He grinned, taking a slight pause before finishing his greeting. `` How's your family?''. 
 
 His eyes held that gentle look of bliss, betraying his lack of acknowledgement of the tragedy a year past. The dementia was getting worse it'd seem, since he was first diagnosed while behind the wheel of a vehicle careening down West 2nd street. 
 
 `` We've been well, even though they're not here now I know they'd be wishing you the best.'' I tapped my thumb against the paper cup before turning away from the register. `` I'm running late for work John, take care of yourself.'' 
 
 The worn wooden door smoothly glided open as I leaned against it, taking a step into the light. I rested my coffee on a nearby window sill, steaming a small cone along the window. I pulled my coat tight before lowering my head and walking away. 
 
 He smiled from ear to ear, enjoying even the smallest of interactions, as my wife and little girl would never again know.
