(AKA The Escape).
A Short Story (Part Five).
I was SO close to finding out what had happened to Diego (and how I had ended up lying on the beach – with no shoes and a sombrero on my head), and the thought of this was positively thrilling.
The waiter came by with my champagne, so I lifted my flute – offering an unspoken toast to my sleuthing success. What I did not realize (at that time) was that I held a poisoned chalice.
Three men in black suits (whom I soon discovered were detectives) entered the café and approached my table. They informed me that a search for Diego was in full force, and – much to my dismay – they suspected foul play.
I was asked to go downtown, to answer a few questions, and I proceeded to tell them everything, which is – “word for word” – what I’ve just told you. Then, to my horror, I was informed that “I” was their prime suspect.
Can you believe that? ME!?
I’m sure that – by now – you understand why I am writing to you, and why I had to leave. The police suggested that if it weren’t for the similarities to the circumstances of my husband William’s death, my story might have been more conceivable. But the truth is, I do not remember what happened then, either. To that I will swear.
I hope that I can return one day, when facts surface – or my memories return – but until that time there is nothing more that I can do. So I will remain here, on this remote island, sitting on the sand… under a sombrero.
THE END
Well we finally made it! I chose one of about three possible endings I had in mind, and this one worked because I wanted it to end quickly. Time for something new!
I think that the amount of drinking that was involved in this story helps us understand why the protagonist might not remember those (black out) tragic nights.
None of this was on purpose mind you – like I said it was all adlib. I’m hoping that my next story will have a preplanned ending that I can work toward – but I’ve learned that this, too, is not easy to accomplish.
I like this ending, simply because she ends up with a sombrero, and the hat was what made writing this so fun!
Anyway, that’s about all for now. I won’t get into details about my image – but I can tell you that I definitely used AI to complete it. Probably 85% of it. I’d like to do one personally made image next, then work on another story – so I will be back soon…
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed the story!!
Calvin: A sombrero?! Are you crazy?! Cool people don’t wear sombreros!
-Bill Watterson
Hobbes: What fun is it being cool if you can’t wear a sombrero?
a sprinkle of faith 
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