In the apartment, we only had a living room. Now the burbs have gifted us a family room, too. Another unnecessity, like the fireplace that will stand sterile in 70-degree winters.
“Drywall over it. Then you’ll have another wall,” said the husband.
“I don’t need another wall.” My words ricocheted inside the bare space.
“One day we might.”
One day. That pacifies six-year-old hopefuls. Deludes middle-aged unexplorers. Aborts yet-to-be grandparents. “One day. One day.” Placates doomed bathroom visits, plastic stick always trembling in my hands. “One day. One day. One day.” Until the phrase whittles itself down stick-thin, empty—like me.
I could feel her pain. Great story!
Thank you for reading and for taking the time to respond. I do so appreciate your feedback.
Goodness, this is haunting. One day. Always one day.
Nice!
Thank you! I have known women who have suffered in this way, and it is haunting. Thank you for your response.
Me too, and I always hope their situations will improve. Well-said.
Perfection!
Thank you so much!
I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you.
I really appreciate your kind words.
When the husband suggested wallpapering over her dreams, it struck a chord. Thanks for writing this.
I honestly appreciate you giving this piece such a thoughtful reading. Thank you!
So much said in 101 words. Great piece!
I appreciate you reading and commenting. It means a lot, thank you!
Moving piece but I wonder if we didn’t have ‘one day’ whether we could face the real days.
Interesting point. And I wonder how long we keep waiting for ‘one day.’ In any case, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts … and your time. Thank you!
Wow. This story really packs a punch. Well done!
I am so pleased you could connect with it in some way, and I so appreciate your feedback. Thank you!
That’s one powerful story! It raised emotions, brought tears to my eyes. The repetition of ‘one day’ worked really well to raise the emotion level and to portray the woman’s frustration/sorrow/anger. The glossed over family room added to the poignancy.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful read. I so appreciate you taking such time with this and providing feedback.