Three texts. Nine words. "The baby died. I’ve miscarried. There was no heartbeat." Your big sister tries bringing you back by kissing Mommy’s tummy, but sadly that’s not how it works, not in this life. Later, I’m in the shower, thinking of these messages, thinking of you, Finley. Our future family photo comes into focus. I break down. “Come back, come back …” blasts off the walls as water swirls down the drain. Eddie Vedder’s wails drown my own. Give me a second chance, Fin. I’d love to meet you in a happier place, at a better time: in another life.
Justin Deming lives and teaches in the Hudson Valley region of New York. He writes weekly fiction at Along the Hudson, his Substack newsletter. Find Justin on Twitter @j_deming_.
IN ANOTHER LIFE was a finalist in Five Minutes’ 2022 Spring Contest: Second Chances. Congratulations, Justin!