The Visit
Mary stared out the windshield at
the barren winter landscape. “While you
were away on vacation Gary and I split up; we’re getting a divorce,” she
blurted. Patty opened her mouth, closed
it, and opened it again without saying a word.
All Patty talked about since she got in the car was her latest exotic
trip. ‘Misery loves company,’ she childishly thought.
“He cheated on me. Late nights, weekend business meetings the
whole clichéd bit. He’s Facebook friends
with her; that’s how I found out... she tagged him in a status update when they
were at some hotel,” Mary explained.
“The kids,” Patty asked.
“They know dad’s away on a
trip. I haven’t told them he’s not
coming back,” Mary answered.
“They’re not stupid,” Patty pointed
out.
“I know that,” Mary snapped. They were both quiet for a while lost in
thought. Patty counted the snow banks until
they arrived at the house.
“Do you still love him?” Patty
sought to understand her sister’s bitterness.
“Yes... No... I don’t know. He’s the father of my children. He was supposed to be my one great love. But people grow apart you know. Maybe that’s what happened with us?” Mary
speculated. Someday she might be able to
buy that; after the bitterness and anger faded.
“That’s likely,” Patty
suggested. Mary parked the car, and
started to open the door. Patty put her
hand on Mary’s back. “For what it’s
worth I think you’re making the right decision.
Mary audibly sighed climbing out of
the car: “Kids! Aunt Patty’s here. She’s
got presents,” Patty found herself hugged almost before she could stand
up. Another visit had begun.
No comments:
Post a Comment