It was exactly a year and a day since she had Sam. A Friday.
She left work at 5pm, parked her car at the shoulder of the road instead of the garage and stepped into the hallway of the poorly lit house, like any other days but this time with a different kind of grin on her face. She cooked up dinner, picked up toy cars and vomit-stained napkins from the floor and set up the dining table for two. It took her half an hour longer than the usual but it didn't feel like it for her. Once the clock struck seven, the cuckoo bird came to live with a weird Moroccan beat for about five seconds. Again, perhaps she didn't even notice it because she was staring blankly at the pile of toys in the middle of the living room where Sam used to play. Used to.
What or rather who was she waiting for? Sam? Her husband Jerry? Her mother-in-law from another town which is fifteen minutes away from where she lives but only come by twice a year since she got married to Jerry; once on their anniversary to remind them of how they were a mistake and another during Thanksgiving where she buries herself with booze in Jerry's liquor collection in the cellar and leave without any notice, usually after a week. It has always been strained, her relationship, their relationships. Even before the baby. The baby.
Jerry came home at about half past seven, an hour late. But Sue didn't say a word, she stood up, helped him with his coat and briefcase and shared a swift but understanding kiss. They have always had a lot of respect for one another. And tolerance. Being lovers since their high school days, it took them
a lot to be where they are now. They know pretty much
everything about each other, likes and hates, choice of words when replying a text, taste in clothing and food, bad habits, goals and directions in life. Romantic or sweet, two words they get a lot in any gathering or event they attend. The truth is, it gets mundane. Conversations become scarce and eventually non-existent between them. The mind, dream and world they used to share are gradually dividing to two separate entities. Something was coming in between them.
They sat down at the dining table and fed each other like teenage couples do in fast food restaurants.
Jerry finally spoke, "Funny ey, habits. They don't leave us as we wish. I've gotten so used to you and this home, I can't imagine coming home to anybody else."
"Well, you said the same to your mom before you met me, didn't you", Sue said monotonously.
"C'mon Sue. I don't have to say it, you already know. Right?"
"Well guess what. I don't. I'm not even sure if you know what you feel inside. I'm tired of assuming Jer. 15 years. You love me but I don't hear it from you. Why are you keeping it to yourself. Huh?"
Silence. They both put down the cutleries in their hands to the sides of the plates gently. They looked up straight into each other's faces. One minute has passed. Two minutes. Five minutes. Sue began to tear. It was true. What he said about habits. She rose from the chair in slow motion, went up to their bedroom and came downstairs with a luggage bag and left without a word. Jerry was still in his chair. He waited till the sound of the engine disappeared. He walked to the fridge to get an Avian. He paused at a sticky note which says,
"Dear Jer, we're not a mistake, I know. But you've never said so." He continued,
"Don't worry about Sam. He'll be happy to have you when you're ready to have him in your life." Signed at the corner:
"With lots of hope, Sue."
Get a grip. Happy monday.
:)