This story was recently published on The Writers Club. I would like to thank them for showcasing my work which was originally published on WordPress on September 17, 2017. Thank you!
Hard to imagine life without her. When the hell did everything start to unravel?
Now he sat alone in the shell of their apartment, baseball game on the tv playing for no one, nursing his second Dewars. Once upon a time this place was alive with people enjoying one of their famous dinner parties. When he closed his eyes he could hear their friends discussing politics, movies, the crazy tenants on the 2nd floor … and the sound of her spirited laugh when someone told a dirty joke.
They were the perfect couple, the envy of all their friends. Theirs was an easy, comfortable marriage – viewing a gallery in SoHo, cycling through Central Park, steamy showers after Saturday morning love-making. They were in sync in their choices of restaurants, paint colors and the biggest decision of all … neither one wanted kids.
He sat there, head in hands while a thousand thoughts went through his mind. When did he begin having second thoughts? Was it the weekend in Maine spent visiting his sister after the birth of her first baby? Was it watching the kids in the playground across the street? All he could remember was the night he whispered in her ear that he wanted to have a baby.
She was blindsided. What? No! He was just named partner at Goldman Sachs. She was food editor for Connoisseur magazine. Life is perfect. They had an agreement, dammit! Would she just consider thinking about it? No! How could he spring this on her now?
Weeks, months went by. She remained adamant, distant. Then one day he came home after work and she was gone.
Here he sat, alone with his Dewars, ballgame long over, fingering his wedding band, staring at divorce papers.
It couldn’t have happened to a more perfect couple.
NAR © 2022
The Elephant's Trunk 
It’s so touching! Well penned. Congratulations for its publication 🎉
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Thank you, KK. I liked this early story of mine, too, and was proud to present it. I’m grateful for your comments. 🌟
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You’re welcome always 😊
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Loving the poignant emotion and crisp imagery in this piece! ❤
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Your portrayal of heartbreak is spot on! I cried. As crazy as it may seem, this feeling overcame me when my husband died…like it was a break up…like there was choice. You captured the feelings perfectly. Excellent writing!😊
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It doesn’t sound crazy at all. Your husband’s passing was the ultimate breakup; I’m touched that you would share those feelings. Thank you for your words of praise. I’m sorry if my story made you cry; I think as writers if we can make people laugh, cry, get angry, etc then we have done our job. 🌹
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You don’t have to apologize. It was a good cry, and you should never have to apologize for your writing. I think you are right! It is a beautiful piece, and I am so glad it was published!!
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A story that I have seen played out in real life. Nice job!
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Thank you! I’m sure it’s more common than we realize. I know my grand kids have made a lot of people very happy. We’d probably have a lot more energy than we do right now but they make me light up whenever I’m with them. 💕
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Congrats! All I have to say is, “One day, she’ll be sorry.”
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Thank you! I agree but every pot has its lid.
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Wonderful piece, Nancy. Congratulations.💕
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Thank you, Sunshine Girl, and the same to you! I saw your wonderful piece a little while ago. Excellent poetry! Congrats!! 💕
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Truly a pleasure. Thanks so much, my friend.💕🙏💕
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