I never thought I'd be here...
I sit in a cold office, on the top floor, of one of the largest law firms in Atlanta Georgia. This wasn't supposed to happen. The office itself is cold and stoic. Minimal. Kind of like a hospital. I've spent enough time in hospitals to know I don't care for them. I felt numb. In a fog. To be honest I've been in a fog for days. Ever since I got the call.
Rudy Bell, my husband-now late husband's attorney and longtime friend is speaking to me. I can't make out what he's saying. I stare blindly out the large window and pick at a piece of loose fabric on the old uncomfortable chair. I never thought I'd be here.
"Autumn, I know this isn't what you want to hear. But your husband... Paul is gone. I understand this isn't something anyone ever wants to deal with but we have no choice." Rudy says with a kind yet stern tone looking over his glasses at me. He's starting to go gray around the temples, reminds me of how old we had all gotten. I can't believe he's gone. I'm going to have to start all over. I wouldn't cry. I hadn't shed a tear since it happened. I couldn't, otherwise, the dam would break and I'd fall apart.
I couldn't do that now. I had my son to think about. Aiden was only 10 he needed me now more than ever. I swallowed the lump of tears that I'd been holding in the back of my throat. And waited for Rudy to deliver the inevitable.
" Paul worked for Simon's & Pell for 11 years. They sent a letter to you letting you know how much they appreciated all his hard work and dedication over the years. Because of the severity of the situation and the potential lawsuit they could have on their hands they've agreed to settle out of court, just to move the process along as you requested. They've enclosed a check made out to you. With hopes that this settles the grievance and will allow us all to move on. It has been 6 months since Paul passed, Autumn. You and your son deserve happiness."
Rudy passed me an envelope containing the letter and the check. I held it in my hands. Whatever the multi-million dollar company thought my husband was worth. Nervously I opened it and couldn't believe what I saw.
A check for 3.5 million dollars written out to Autumn Cooper. I probably sat in a stupor for 10 minutes. Rudy interrupted my thoughts with a polite cough before finally saying what we were both thinking, "You have a chance to start over Autumn. This check, plus the life insurance, you have enough to live a good life with your son. Take it and run." He patted my knee as he rose and buttoned his suit. For the first time, I spoke up.
"Thank you, Rudy. I'm gonna do just that "
