Dark Keys of Uncomplacency

Chapter 4: The Curse of Marley

Ruth Marley was a cheerful, talkative young lady at heart, always up and about. Being much more active than the average 79-year-old woman, she traveled by bus or train often to visit close relatives in Long Island. She also made it a point to visit her husband's grave from time to time, to pay her respects and to reminisce about their 60 years of marriage. Mr. Marley passed away 2 years ago, due to severe brain trauma sustained after suffering a stroke. He also struggled for a decade with Alzheimer's, which left him unable to speak or eat on his own. The complications that Mr. Marley faced, enticed his wife to live a healthy life—one full of daily exercise, organic food, witty conversations and word searches to keep her sharp. She swore to herself that old age would not find her in the same state it found her husband. Over-critical and skeptical by nature, Ruth was always suspicious of outsiders and people she knew very little about. She kept herself occupied with countless theories as to what went on behind her neighbors' closed doors.

Mrs. Marley, currently wedged between a car and a crooked mailbox, couldn't formulate a single word, let alone a conspiracy theory to explain the people that almost killed her—or anyone else for that matter.

Collin panted as he ran up to Mrs. Marley and said with his face drenched in sweat, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Marley—I mean Ruth, I was taking my daughter out for her first driving lesson and she's still learning how to maintain control of the car. It was my fault, I wasn't paying attention to her paying attention".

Allison burst into silent tears, unable to contain her emotions. She looked at Mrs. Marley and felt horrible about almost killing such a lively person.

"Are you hurt at all? If you need me to call an ambulance, please let me know. I'm so, so sorry. I also have insurance information in the house if you want to take it down—no need to get the police involved".

But Mrs. Marley paid very little attention to Collin's pleading, instead turning towards Allison, who was sullenly wiping her tears.

"I'll be fine Mr. Scott", she said, holding up her hand to Collin, "I'm just a bit stunned, but it'll wear off soon enough. Are you two ok?"

Collin was caught off guard. He did not expect Mrs. Marley to be so level-headed after such a startling ordeal. "Yes, yes we're ok", he replied, almost at a loss for words, as he turned back towards his daughter.

Allison had finally managed to completely step off of the brake pedal, which was almost touching the floor of the car. She watched as Mrs. Marley raised her hand, interrupting her father. He didn't do anything, it was that stupid house across the street, she thought, looking for something to blame.

"Wait! Mrs. Marley, it's my fault", Allison shouted in a hoarse voice. She jogged up to the front of the car where they were standing. "I should have been watching the road instead of looking off to the sidewalk. If anyone's to be punished, it should be me—".

"No one is getting punished, darling—not by me anyway", Mrs. Marley said as she smiled at Collin.

"We'll talk about your punishment later", he added, as he smirked at Mrs. Marley and Allison.

"I had sons learning how to drive once upon a time. I know how carried away young people can get behind the wheel of a car for the first time. You have nothing to be ashamed of". She walked over to the Scotts' mailbox, which now had a prominent dent on the wrought iron pole holding it up.

"A damaged mailbox would have been the least of my problems, while my husband and I were teaching our kids how to drive".

Still feeling guilty, Allison spoke up. "Well, let me at least walk you home. It'll give me time to pour on my apologies, while also clearing my head". She looked at her father for permission.