4338.210 · July 29, 2018 AD
One Small Mercy
Headlights sweep across a familiar silhouette walking through Hobart's darkening streets. Recognition arrives before thought can catch up—the particular set of those shoulders, the way that body moves, months of partnership suddenly foreign in twilight gloom. Sarah's injured palm throbs beneath bandages whilst wine softens sharp edges but can't extinguish the coals still smouldering beneath. She could stop. Roll down the window. Demand explanations right there in a residential street. But control is a small mercy when everything else has already slipped away.
Sarah's headlights catch Karl walking alone. He's moving too fast—flight more than journey, putting distance between himself and something unbearable rather than moving towards any destination. Shoulders locked rigid, arms stiff at his sides, fists clenched so tight she can see white knuckles even through the gloom.
That posture speaks volumes. Rage radiating from every locked muscle. Shame curving his spine despite rigid denial. The same confusion churning in Sarah's chest like storm-tossed waters.
The sight strikes harder than anticipated. Reflexive twist in her gut. Adrenaline spiking despite the shiraz still softening sharper edges. Because the anger hasn't extinguished—just banked beneath the surface, coals maintaining heat, ready to ignite with fresh fuel.
He pushed her. Sent her crashing into walls. Changed everything.
Her grip tightens on the steering wheel. The bandaged palm throbs with each heartbeat—memory made physical, proof written in torn flesh and dried blood.
She slows as she approaches. He doesn't turn, doesn't acknowledge her presence. Just keeps moving forward, jaw set hard, world blocked out by internal storm.
For a moment she considers stopping. Confronting him right there with curtains twitching and neighbours pretending not to watch.
But she's not ready. Not for the conversation. Not for answers that might justify nothing or explain everything.
So she drives on instead. Lets him walk alone through darkening suburbs. The distance stretches in her rear-view mirror until he disappears completely.
She doesn't feel better. Just in control. If only for now. If only in this small way. One deliberate choice in a day that spiralled wildly out of her power.
Eyes forward on the road ahead. Where paperwork and questions and consequences wait with patient inevitability.
