The Conversation by Carla

He stood solemnly at the two grave markers that held the memories of a life long ago. A life that had been full of love and happiness; one that held simple pleasures. For Chris Larabee, a life that had been doomed to die from the very beginning.

As he knelt beside the tallest marker honoring his wife Sarah, Chris sensed rather than heard the approach of the man that now stood just behind him.

"What're you doing here, Buck?"

"Had a feeling you'd head here as soon as you were up to riding. "How're you doin'? That wound giving you any trouble?"

"He was right."

"Who?"

Chris's voice dropped to a near whisper. "He was right all along. Only I didn't see it."

"Who, pard? Tell me what you're talkin' about."

"You remember don't you, Buck? Hank said I was nothing but trouble. Said I'd only bring misery to Sarah's life. He tried to force her to stop seeing me. Threatened me to leave her alone. But I couldn't stay away. I loved and married her. Our life was perfect when we had Adam. I killed them."

"That's the craziest thing I've ever heard. How do you figure you killed them?"

The anger flashed in Chris's green eyes making them burn brightly. He wanted to lash out. Wanted Buck to hurt like he was. He stood up whirling to face the man who was his oldest friend. "I don't know, Buck. Could be because I was with you while they were dying. Could be I was having a good time drinking and doing the things Hank always said I did."

"Maybe. Or could it be because of Ella?"

Deep sadness replaced the anger in Chris's eyes. He dropped back down to his knees. "Yeah, because of Ella. A relationship I had two years before I met Sarah signed her death warrant. I killed her before I knew she existed."

Buck knelt beside his friend putting his hand to Chris's shoulder. "You didn't kill them, Chris. Ella did. She's crazy. You had know way of knowing what kind of person she is. Gripping Chris's shoulder firmly, Buck kept trying to reach his friend. "You did not kill them. It wasn't your fault. You brought a light into Sarah's eyes. She had the sweetest smile; a smile just for you. You can't regret your life with her and Adam. That would be letting Ella win."

For awhile, neither man spoke. One man full of sorrow the other hoping that his words would somehow ease the shattered soul before him. Finally, Buck stood and reached a hand out to Chris to help him stand. Refusing to let go of Chris's hand, he asked "Do you believe me, Chris? Do you believe you are not responsible for their deaths?"

"Being with Ella sealed the fates of my wife and child. The only thing they did wrong was love me. Buck, I'm sorry for what I said before. Being with you that night wasn't part of it."

"Nothing to be sorry for. I just wish I could help you through this; make you see reason."

"You best head on back to town. I'll be heading that way later."

"I don't want to leave you hear alone." Buck tried deperately to think of anything else he could say to help his friend.

"Don't know when I'll be heading this way again. Go on, I'll be all right. I just need some more time with them."

Shaking his head in sadness, Buck mounted up prepairing to leave. I'll see you when you get back. If you need me, I'll be there."

"I know. You've helped more than you realize. Watch your back, pard."

After making sure Buck was gone, Chris once again knelt before the graves of his family. As he thought of his beautiful wife and child and the home they shared, he allowed the tears he had held for three long years to fall.

THE END