By Peter J.
Elise entered the kitchen, shifting in her parka. What was it outside now, -30? She thought of her husband driving home unsympathetically. Her husband hated many things: married life, her smoking, her hamsters. Her hamsters had died yesterday, presumably from the cold. He hadn’t consoled her, even though she loved them so much. Sighing, she saw a red corner poking out of the regular trash. She picked up the box. Rat poison. Elise looked out the window, at Ed’s car now in the driveway.
A bit too cold for rats, isn’t it?
Guess not, one just pulled up to my house.
I really liked this story. It paints a clear image of a bitter marriage, but in a way that’s not too depressing. And that’s a great final line!
(Although I think “unsympathetically” might have been slightly more effective after “she thought” because then it would be more clear that the wife was the one being unsympathetic.)
Thank you Kelsey, I appreciate the suggestions and praise!