The Awakening

When Edna did not return from her walk around the beach Victor became nervous. As he thought about the way Edna acted before she left him and Mariequita, he sprang into action.

“Mariequita! Hurry! We need to find Edna!” screamed Victor Lebrun.

By the tone of his voice she could tell this wasn’t a joke. They both grabbed a lantern and hurried down to the beach. They split up calling Edna’s name in to the night. As Mariequita walked down the edge of the shore she saw some drifting towards her. She stepped into the shallow end of the water and saw the limp body of Mrs. Pontellier.

“Victor, Victor! I found her!” she screamed through her frantic tears.

Victor ran towards Mariequita and peered at Edna’s shriveled skin.

“She’s gone” said Victor as he walked away.

That morning Victor called Leonce and broke the news to him. Through the phone he could hear Mr. Pontellier grieving. Leonce continued to ask questions that Victor didn’t know the answer to. After a hour of listening to Mr. Pontellier crying Victor politely excused himself.

Funeral arrangements were being finalized when Robert returned to New Orleans. That Saturday following his arrival was the funeral. Robert sat in the back of the church hiding his tears behind his dark sunglasses. He blamed himself for Edna’s death. He thought if he had not have left her she would still be alive.

Mademoiselle Reisz peered over her shoulder and saw Robert sitting by himself. She slowly lifted her tired body off the pew and walked towards him. Silently she sat behind him and cupped his hands in her. Leaning on Mademoiselle Reisz he began to weep. She understood his pain. She understood that he loved her but she also understood even the most perfect lovers weren’t meant for each other.

When the service concluded Robert dried his eyes and waited for the crowd to leave. When the last person left the church Robert slowly stood up, straightened his suit, and walked out the church. When he got in his car he drove...