Absent

He should not have come to the funeral. He knew he was not welcome.  

He watched as the nurse treated his wounds. His mind went back to the voices he heard before he lost consciousness. He should have stayed in touch, should have been there instead of at the office.

Suddenly he sat up in his bed and cried. The nurse just looked at him. He frightened her but there was also sadness.

Then she saw how his tears carved paths down his cheeks through the caked dirt on his face. She knew he was mourning and held him tight.

*Flash Fiction 100 words