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Moving On

August 5, 2021 12 Comments

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The clown shouldn’t be here. He’s standing in the aisle, tears cascading down his silly face. Saturday weather’s too nice for this. I think about asking him to leave but Rach beats me to it.

“Go home please,” she says, touching his elbow.

He nods and produces a large handkerchief to blow his nose in. An usher turns him around, guiding him carefully toward the doors. He had his time with me and I had my time with him. No one’s fault. My bride and I exchange a look of relief before turning back to the priest.

“Old boyfriend,” I shrug.

By J.W. Allen

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. nancy says

    August 5, 2021 at 8:04 pm

    great twist ending – leaves me concerned for Rach. top story.

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:26 am

      Ah, thanks Nancy!

      Reply
  2. Michael says

    August 5, 2021 at 9:39 pm

    You nailed the landing!

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:26 am

      Cheers Michael! Endings are hard! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amanda Barusch says

    August 6, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    Oh yes. Excellent set up and I agree with Michael. You did nail the landing. Nice work, J.W.!

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Thanks Amanda – see my reply to Michael re. endings! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kim Taylor Clark says

    August 11, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    Oh. Good twist! Like it!

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:29 am

      Who doesn’t love a good twist? Also, the number of incel men I’ve met who can’t understand why a woman wouldn’t want to go out with them still has me shaking my head in dismay. This was partly a (tiny) push back against that toxic culture.

      Glad you enjoyed the story!

      Reply
  5. Ruth Mannino says

    August 11, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Loved the twist and everything leading up to it.

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:30 am

      You’ve put a huge smile on my face after a very difficult week, Ruth. Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Jay Heltzer says

    August 13, 2021 at 6:15 am

    From the beginning to the end, this quirky tale kept me curious and giggling till my final guffaw. Great write!

    Reply
    • John Allen says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Laughing is an underestimated healing tool. God knows we all need more laughter right now. Glad you enjoyed the story Jay and thanks for taking the time to reach out and say so.

      Reply

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