Cooper and Maddie walked across to the small stream. He gave her the corner of his t-shirt to wipe her mouth on. She was tired and Rosedale was being a jerk and he himself was an out and out mess. ‘This isn’t okay, is it? None of it.’
Maddie looked at Cooper. A fresh spring of freckles covering her brown face.
‘No, it’s not.’
‘That poor kid.’
‘Any ideas what it was?’
‘I know last year there was a number of cases of Ebola in this area and yes, you do get internal bleeding and yes, you also get blisters, but not like those. That was something different. I don’t know what though.’
‘I’m guessing it’s not contagious either because the old woman doesn’t look ill and neither does anybody else in the village.’ She stopped. Sighed deeply. Looked across to the woman covered in blood, who was now sitting alone on the side of the track, crying quietly. More to herself she said, ‘God, I never counted on this when I came here.’
‘Counted on what?’
‘Feeling so lost. I used to have such a connection with this place and now… Oh I don’t know. Ignore me, I guess I’m just missing Cora. Leaving her never gets any easier. Look, you don’t need to hear my problems… I’m sorry.’
‘Maddison, you don’t have to say sorry about anything. If it wasn’t for you, Rosedale and I would’ve probably killed each other by now and even after everything… Well let’s just say I don’t deserve you. Look, I know I’ve been acting like a jackass and I also know that nobody should have to put up with what you’ve put up with. It sounds hollow but I don’t mean to treat you the way I do. I want to be the person you think I am and I’m sorry most of the time I’m not able to.’
Cooper held her stare as he pulled her in close. He traced her face with his eyes.
‘Tom, I know…’
Quickly, gently, he put his finger over Maddie’s lips. He didn’t want her to talk. His head felt hazy. Everything around him didn’t feel quite real. ‘Sshhhh, don’t say anything.’
Bending his face towards hers. He closed his eyes. Pushing his mind to imagine. His lips almost on hers… His lips on Ellie’s.
‘Thomas! Thomas! I need a word.’
Rosedale, cigar in mouth, boomed loudly. Real loud. He stood a few feet away from Cooper and Maddie.
‘What is it Rosedale?’
‘A word.’
Cooper shook his head but let go of Maddie and walked away towards Rosedale.
‘What is it now?’
Rosedale, not moving his eyes away from Cooper, said, ‘You may not be able to let Ellie go, but like I said before, you need to let Maddie go. Don’t do this to her, Thomas. Unlike your emotions, hers are real. Don’t cross me on this.’
Cooper bit down hard on his lip. It felt good. ‘What the hell has it got to do with you? Who do you think you are? She’s my wife.’
‘No, she’s not. Not anymore. Leave her alone.’
‘Has it ever occurred to you that I may have feelings for her still? That I still love her.’
‘Oh it’s occurred to me alright, but that isn’t the problem or the point. You’re not good for her, Thomas, and as for making her happy? You will never be able to do that. Let her free. Do it now. I’m warning you, before it’s too late.’