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Vacancy

September 11, 2022 19 Comments

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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.

By Elizabeth Allison

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yolanda Joosten says

    September 11, 2022 at 12:35 pm

    I could feel her pain. Great story!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you for reading and for taking the time to respond. I do so appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  2. Joyce Jacobo says

    September 11, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    Goodness, this is haunting. One day. Always one day.

    Nice!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:46 pm

      Thank you! I have known women who have suffered in this way, and it is haunting. Thank you for your response.

      Reply
      • Joyce Jacobo says

        September 14, 2022 at 3:17 pm

        Me too, and I always hope their situations will improve. Well-said.

        Reply
  3. Vivian says

    September 12, 2022 at 3:53 am

    Perfection!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you.

      Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      I really appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
  4. lee says

    September 12, 2022 at 10:51 am

    When the husband suggested wallpapering over her dreams, it struck a chord. Thanks for writing this.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 12, 2022 at 1:49 pm

      I honestly appreciate you giving this piece such a thoughtful reading. Thank you!

      Reply
    • Joanie says

      September 14, 2022 at 7:23 am

      So much said in 101 words. Great piece!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        September 14, 2022 at 12:36 pm

        I appreciate you reading and commenting. It means a lot, thank you!

        Reply
  5. Doug Jacquier says

    September 14, 2022 at 9:14 pm

    Moving piece but I wonder if we didn’t have ‘one day’ whether we could face the real days.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 16, 2022 at 2:33 pm

      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!

      Reply
  6. Kristie says

    September 15, 2022 at 10:39 am

    Wow. This story really packs a punch. Well done!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 16, 2022 at 2:33 pm

      I am so pleased you could connect with it in some way, and I so appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Lyn says

    September 17, 2022 at 8:13 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      September 18, 2022 at 1:44 pm

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful read. I so appreciate you taking such time with this and providing feedback.

      Reply

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