By Mark Kline
A ruby-throated hummingbird startles her as it flies onto their terrace. The tiny bird hovers absolutely motionless, levitating, like an avian Yoda. It dips its beak in her husband’s mojito and zips away.
He stares out into the lush July evening, brooding again. How could he miss that magical moment, not even notice the hummingbird, she wonders.
He turns to her and frowns. “They found a hole in the universe. A billion times bigger than our galaxy. You know what that means?”
“A disturbance in the force?”
He looks away in disgust.
Or time for divorce, she thinks, sipping her martini.
Love it!
Great story! Loved the nods to Star Wars, especially “avian Yoda.”
Hummingbird vs. hole in the universe–what a great way to evoke the tension in this marriage. Disturbance indeed!
I love to read this type of not so perfect moments between couples that are on the verge of divorce.
Is this moment the sole cause for it? No, but it might be the last drop.
It’s easy to understand his lack of awareness and the disconnect between characters. An attempt of humor is met with disgust. Right there we have access to the characterization of both of them and their dynamic.
How could he miss the hummingbird sipping on his martini? How could he miss the simple magic of seing what is right in front of him? The hummingbird, just like her love and effort, fly away unnoticed…
What a great story and realistic to those of us who have shared a residence with a negative-Nelly or a narcissist. Reminds me of my spouse… LOL! (But not really a lol moment in real life.) : – (
To write more than 101 words of commentary on this piece would be a sin.
Make mine two: Thought provoking.