Chapter 2
543 Words
“Are they sure, mom? That would mean that his ring was down there all this time. Did they say exactly where it was found?”
“Did you not hear me, Marsha? They found it on the reef off of the coast of Cancun,” came her mother’s voice from the phone in her hand.
“Yes, mom. I heard you. But I mean, it has to have been down there for ten years. Are they absolutely sure it’s Ralph’s?” asked Marsha as she paced back and forth in the kitchen.
“His name was inscribed on the sides of the ring and your grandparents had their names engraved on the inside of the band. It is his. They emailed me pictures. It looks like something bit it, though. There are dents and scratch marks all over it,” her mothered answered.
“Bite marks? What could put bite marks in the metal of the ring?” asked Marsha.
“According to the detective that called me, a shark. He said he thinks that Ralph was killed by a shark out on the reef after the rip tide had drug him out into the open water,” her mother said, her voice cracking.
“And it survived being in the ocean this whole time? I just can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it, truthfully. I still hope to hear his voice on the other end of the phone when I answer it,” Marsha said, her eyes filling up with tears.
“I do too, Honey. But the detective said that Ralph was now being classified as lost at sea and deceased. Because of the markings on his ring. I really wish that I was planning a welcome home party instead of a memorial,” her mother said. “Are you and Mike coming for your ten year reunion? I received a letter that said they were going to have a tribute for Ralph and asked if I would like to attend.”
“Mike was on the fence about it. But I think he will change his mind after I tell him this. Not like I am really going to give him a choice,” Marsha said as she checked her watch. “I am dreading that conversation. He is going to be devastated. I think he blames himself for not noticing that Ralph was in trouble that night.”
“It wasn’t his fault. Well, let me know what you guys decide. I am thinking about going. I would also like to have his memorial that same weekend, while all your classmates are in town,” said her mother.
“That sounds awesome, Mom. I will call you as soon as I get an answer from Mike”
“Okay, dear. Well I have to go get my hair done and do some grocery shopping. I will call you tonight. I love you, Marsha.”
“Love you too, Mom.” Then she hung up the phone.
She headed down the hall to check on the boys, who were taking a nap in their room. Mike was going to be heartbroken.
Ralph really was gone.
- Writer
