Intro

It has been five years since my loving wife and unborn child have been taken from me. I will be joining them in the afterlife very soon. I light another cigarette inhaling deeply as tears run down my cheeks and pull open the left hand desk drawer. Inside is my .38 Smith & Wesson Special. "This will be the first and last time I'll ever have to use it," I think to myself as I pull it from the drawer and place it against my head. I cock the hammer for effect. Am I really going to do this? Has my life really become so unbearable? "YES." I hear myself announcing aloud. My finger tightens on the trigger just as the front door of my office creaks open.

"I'm here Mr. Marshall..." a timid voice murmurs from within the reception room. It was Kara Adams, my secretary. I reluctantly replace the gun back inside the drawer. "I thought I told you to stay home today Kara." I groaned, slamming the desk drawer closed. "... No one would have to be alone on Christmas Eve, besides Mr. Marshall I wanted to give you your christmas present." I could make out her siloutte through the doors frosted glass window as she stood in silent anticipation for me to beckon her inside.

"Listen Kara you didn't..." I started but was cut short as Kara's voice forcefully objects, "I wanted to Mr. Marshall," before noticably dropping down to an almost inadible peep, "now may I please come in?"

It didn't happen often, but every once in a blue moon Kara's resolve was undeniable. This was definitely one of those moments. I finally resigned myself to her will, "I'm sorry Kara, please come in."

I had met Kara for close to four years ago when Sarah and I bought a home inn the same neighborhood as Kara's family. Kara quickly warmed to Sarah who at the time was already a few months pregnent. Kara who at the time was fifteen self-procolomated herself our offical housekeeper and future nanny.

Kara was