He gave me a weak smile.
“I’ll be fine. Just go enjoy your race.”
I leaned down and kissed his forehead.
Then I dressed as quietly as possible.
I didn’t want to turn on the lights.
I carried my shoes downstairs instead of putting them on in the bedroom.
Before leaving, I looked back at him.
“Text me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
He pulled the blanket over himself.
That was the last image I had of my husband before leaving home.
Daniel, lying in a dark bedroom, supposedly too sick to sit upright.
At seven that morning, I believed him completely.
Four hours later, I would discover what he’d actually been planning.
***
The charity race was crowded and lively.
Music played near the starting line.
Volunteers handed out water.
Families stood along the route cheering.
My coworker had canceled at the last minute, so I was running alone.
