flashquake Editor's Picks flashquake I really liked this story. The ending took me completely by surprise. It may seem improbable to some, but I believe things like this happen — sadly — all too often. It gave the story great depth and I found myself thinking about the characters - how vulnerable the woman was and how the man had probably played out this scenario on more than one occasion. |
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She stopped in front of the silver picture frame on the end table. “Who’s the woman in the photograph, and the young girl with her? They’re beautiful. They could be models.” “That was my wife.” “I didn’t know you were divorced.” “I’m not.” She hesitated. “You mean you’re—” “No. She died.” A wave of relief broke over her. “I’m so sorry. And the little girl?” “My daughter.” She looked around. There was no sign of a child. “Where is she?” “She died too.” “Oh, my God. What happened?” He hung his head. His voice cracked. “An auto accident.” She enveloped him in her arms. He trembled in her embrace. Something deep within her took control, as she tried to kiss away the wetness from his cheeks and the pain from his soul. Her body fused to his, and time tiptoed away. He was snoring when she awoke and dressed. She was too embarrassed to wake him. She could get a toothbrush at the corner drugstore and still get to work on time. As she moved down the store aisle, she saw three rows of silver picture frames on the shelf. The same beautiful woman and young girl smiled out at her from each frame. They were on sale for twelve dollars apiece. |
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This was her first visit to his apartment. Until now, it’d just been
lunch. She wouldn’t stay long. A good relationship needed time to mature.
