Chapter 4The Man Who Died Twice

The next day, I went to the department store.

I bought Leo the expensive chocolates he’d been begging for. Then, I walked into the formal wear section.

I pointed to a beautiful, soft ivory cocktail dress. "I’d like to try that on."

Stepping out of the fitting room, I looked in the mirror. I looked younger. The grey cast of grief was gone.

The salesgirl clasped her hands. "It’s for a wedding, isn't it? You look stunning. Most people buy the darker colors, but this... you glow in this."

I smiled, but then I took it off. "Actually, pack up the blue one. The silk one."

Widows don't usually wear bright colors. But brides do.

As I walked out of the store, loaded with bags, I literally bumped into Caleb. He was carrying shopping bags for Sarah.

He froze. Then, he put on his "concerned brother-in-law" mask.

"Elara? What are you doing out? You bought... a lot."

Since his "death," I barely left the house. I certainly didn't go on shopping sprees.

I muttered a vague excuse. I didn't want to talk to him.

But as I brushed past him, the bag shifted. The silk dress peeked out.

It was clearly a dress for a special occasion. A celebratory dress.

When we got married, we bought my dress at this exact store.

He stood there on the sidewalk, staring at the bag, long after I had walked away. Sarah had to tug on his sleeve to snap him out of it.