“Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.” (Dostoevesky)
I tried
I tried. God knows I tried. Twenty years we’d been together, and not a moment when I hadn’t been looking out for her. But she’d never recognised how much she needed me; never appreciated what I did for her. Yes, I strayed a few times. The way she is, anyone would. But I’d always gone back to her.
The final straw? That was the weekend in Venice. Just the two of us. She’d always wanted to go. It was my treat; a surprise. I booked the flights, chose the hotel, spent days working on an itinerary. But all she did when I gave her the tickets was complain I hadn’t checked the dates with her. Said she was really busy at work. Then, when we got there, she stayed in bed late and wouldn’t follow my schedule. Told me she just wanted to wander.
I only held the pillow down for a few minutes. Just enough to teach her a lesson. I’d had to take care of the kids, of course. Didn’t want them getting upset.
She hasn’t called yet. But I’m sure she will.
She can’t manage without me.
Brilliant piece of flash fiction! And the image is gorgeous – love the free machine stitching – great collaboration!