January/February 2025 Runner Up: A Family Affair

A Family Affair by Karen Silverthorne

I watch from the sidelines as the grieving family assemble behind the coffin.  Ex-wife number one, deserted by him when she found she was barren; her successor also left alone after giving birth to twin daughters; and the grieving widow, drenched in black, supported by her son – his step-son.  Having just finished university, Aaron was expecting a job in the family firm; now he anticipates so much more.  For them, the biggest shock is yet to come.

I fall in step behind, squeezing my young son’s hand.

‘It’s time to say goodbye to your daddy, Johnnie, and meet your extended family.’