By Paul Beckman
Milborne, anxious about his review, took Thurmond the Teddy Bear from his married daughter’s old room and used it to role play until it was time to leave for work.
That same morning, his wife hired an attorney to file for divorce. Milborne hadn’t realized her unhappiness, no matter how many times she hinted at it. I’ll tell him when he gets home, she thought, then sat with Thurmond, pretending it was Milborne, and practiced explaining her reasons for wanting out.
That evening, Milborne, lying in his daughter’s bed, held Thurmond and sobbed to him about his 0 for 2 day.
Hauntingly poignant story that perfectly captures the protagonist’s despondency — and our empathy. Well done!
Sorry if I seem dumb but what does his “O for 2 day” mean?
His review went badly (1) and his marriage ended (2) – neither are good outcomes so he is 0 (zero) for 2
Love how each one used Thurmond to practice what they wanted to say, each going in a totally different direction!
So perfect for a stuffed animal to be a story’s beginning, middle, end. Nice work.
Once I re read it, I got your poignant , sad, point. Somehow, though, I needed it to be easier to follow.