Part 3
Long before the family and friends had left, Kevin had locked himself in his study and made it clear that he was to be left alone. The bar was completely stocked so the first thing he did was take out a bottle of bourbon and go to his desk. After opening it, he took a long swig of the brown liquid and stared at the picture o f his wife that adorned the corner of his desk. It was from their wedding ten years ago today.
“Why, ‘Tadpole’? Why did you have to leave me?” he asked as the first tear trickled down his cheek. “You promised me you’d always be here for me and you have NEVER broken a promise to me before.”
The dam finally burst and Kevin began to sob as he took the picture and clutched it to his chest. Tyler had been more than his wife; she’d been his soul mate. She’d been the one to comfort him when he broke up with his high school sweetheart and she had been there for him for every important event after that. She’d supported him in every career move he’d made and given him three beautiful children. How would he go on?
Finishing the bottle of bourbon, Kevin threw the bottle with all his might against the wall shattering it into a million pieces. Anger had finally set in.
The crashing of the bottle brought Brian, Nick, and AJ rushing to the door only to be stopped by the lock.
Banging loudly, Nick called out, “KEVIN! Open up! Let us in!”
“LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!” was the bellowed, drunken response.
“Come on, Kev,” tried AJ. “Tyler wouldn’t want you to be like this.”
There was silence from inside the room.
“Open the door,” pleaded Brian. “Let us help you.”
Silence.
The three men looked at each other not knowing what to do.
From behind, Howie spoke softly, “Let me try.” Knocking gently, Howie called out, “Kevin, let me in.”
An agonizing minute passed before they heard the click of the lock and then the door opened allowing Howie to enter before closing again. The door would remain closed through the night.
