Extinguishing the Past

Regret set in like a tidal wave, wrapping me in its unforgiving embrace as I stared at the distraught gentleman inside the doorway. He peered over his shoulder, his eyes darting about; his disheveled clothes and grey hair nearly convinced me he was a stranger until he mentioned the letters he had written. No, it couldn't be Declan, could it? Questions swirled in my mind, further confusing me just days before Mariam's funeral. I trembled, anticipating his explanation. How dare he seek refuge here. And when he mentioned the letter, it made me freeze up; I'd always thought Lily's Dad, Mark, was the one who'd be our demise.