By Ashley Hothersall
She enters the bedroom. She turns down the sheets. She slips off her slacks and takes off her blouse. She grabs the silk robe from the door, puts it on, and begins to set the mood.
She takes her matchbook from the dresser, lights the same candle she always does (the sensual black orchid and dark amber), and plays Billie Holiday. She closes the blinds, switches off the lights, crawls into bed, and curls beneath the covers.
Alone at last, she breathes in deeply. Letting the day’s weight lift from her shoulders, she hums to the music, and lets herself weep.
Very nicely done. She’s created a soothing fantasy to help her deal with whatever is causing her ongoing sadness.
Gut-punch — right to the last word.
A wonderful story. That last line blew me away. Hope to see a lot more of your work.
The story has a distinct rhythm that accompanies the routine. Very nice.