The King is Dead

Elizabeth found Antoine outside, sitting in a rocking chair, looking at the countryside. Her father had passed a few days ago, although Elizabeth considered it a blessing. He'd suffered so long from his once acute mind atrophying, and it was hard to see him in a withered state.

"Hey," she said simply.

"Hey,"Antoine said back. "How are you feeling baby? Tough going through the pictures, I know."

"It was, yes," Elizabeth agreed. She'd shed her share of tears that day. "Almost a shame to sell this place. So far out of the way, so peaceful."

"Yeah," Antoine agreed. "What if we kept it? You been jonesin' for me to leave work. This place is quiet, it's nice. Nice place to raise a litter of babies." He smirked at her. Elizabeth thought about it for a second. It needed a little work, but Antoine was right.