Gravy Patterson's Arc

Chapter 8 of 11

After the meat was off the fire, Gravy walked away from the gathering. He crossed the dark yard to the little wooden house at the back, the one packed with seedling trays and quiet. Derek followed without a word, the ring still warm in his closed hand. Gravy lit the lamp on the old desk inside. Papers covered every inch — invoices, permits, a notice from the county, a year of things he wouldn't look at. He dug under the pile until he found the folder. Divorce papers. Already filled out. Just waiting. He picked up the pen. Derek started to speak. Gravy shook his head once and signed. Two lines, clean. He slid the folder across the desk to Derek and tapped the ring in his cousin's palm. "She's yours if she wants to be. You showed up. That counts." Derek's eyes went wet. He pocketed the ring and the folder both. Gravy turned down the lamp and walked back out toward the fire alone. The old story was closed. The night was still his to finish.