Frank opens the door into his empty apparment. He stands in the doorway momentarily and steps in. It is dimily lit by the overcast afternoon light. Setting his briefcase at the door, he moves to the window overlooking the street below. It is full of people and cars. On the sidewalk a man is pushing his food cart. Frank leaves the window and walks over to a partially filled wine cabinet. Out of it, he removes his favourite wine and two glasses. Before placing the two cups down, he smooths out the dining table cloth. An envolope sits on the place opposite him.
*
Frank un-corks the bottle and fills the glasses with deep burgondy sirrah. He reaches into his pocket and removes a creased photograph. It holds an image of a blonde woman smiling in a wedding gown. On the back is written: "You don't know how lovely you are". He props the picture against her wine glass. Picking up his drink, he swirls the liquid around in the clear container. He takes several drinks, pausing briefly between each one.
*
Frank picks up the white lace envolope and sets the wine glass down. His fingers shake as he opens it.There is a small piece of paper inside that reads: "No matter what, I will always love you". He takes a larger drink from his cup and finds a more perfect picture of his wife accompanying the letter. It is an exact copy of his, un-damaged and not yet faded.
Frank pulls the Derringer out of his pocket and looks down at it. It is small resting in the palm of his hand. He looks over at the empty chair and then back down at the gun. He sets the gun down and pulls a pen from his sleeve. He turns the new picture over and writes: "I am sorry".
*
No one but Frank hears the small caliber pistol fire.
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