Meredith waited until the children were in bed before telling Tony. They had been married for sixteen years. Their children were twelve and nine. They owned a comfortable home, had stable jobs, and rarely argued. Their family life was busy, but it was the kind of busy that Tony had come to regard as normal. [...]
Dan closed his laptop when Louise walked into the room. The movement was quick. Almost automatic. But Louise noticed. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Nothing. Just looking at something.” “Then why did you close it?” Dan looked at her. “Louise, it’s not a big deal.” She stood beside his chair. “Show me what you [...]
Tim stood at the bedroom doorway, watching Charlotte struggle to pull on a pair of jeans she had not worn in nearly a year. “Do you want me to get those other pants from the closet?” he asked. Charlotte looked at him sharply. “I can dress myself, Tim.” “I was just trying to help.” “Well, [...]
Margaret had imagined David’s reaction many times. In some versions, he listened to her explanation, recognized how much the purchase meant to her, and admitted that perhaps she had been right to move forward. In other versions, he frowned, questioned the price, and reminded her that they had agreed to postpone major home improvements until [...]
Tim stood at the kitchen window, watching his son unload the trunk of his car. Two suitcases. A duffel bag. A cardboard box filled with things that had once occupied Robert’s apartment. Tim turned toward his wife. “Looks like he brought everything.” Angie stared at the bags. “How long is he staying?” “I don’t know. [...]
Rob set the restaurant menu on the table. “I was thinking we could try that Italian place downtown.” Linda glanced at the menu. “We went there last year. The food wasn't that good.” “I thought it was pretty good.” “You said the pasta was overcooked.” “I said mine was overcooked. Yours was fine.” Linda shook [...]
Max put his fork down. “Margaret, I can’t keep living like this.” She looked across the table at him. “Living like what?” “Like we’re roommates. Like we’re two people sharing a house who happen to be married.” Margaret had heard versions of this complaint before. Usually, it came after Max reached for her in bed [...]
Thomas reached across the bed and touched Gwen's shoulder. “Are you still awake?” “Yes.” “Can we talk?” She turned onto her back and looked at him. “About what?” “Us.” Gwen sighed. “Thomas, we've been talking about us for months.” “I know. I just thought maybe tonight we could spend some time together. Just the two [...]
an sat on the edge of the bed, holding a folded sheet of paper. Robert stood in the doorway. “What did the doctor say?” She looked up. “He wants us to keep trying.” Robert nodded. “That's good, isn't it?” Jan stared at the paper. “He says we shouldn't give up hope.” “Then we shouldn't.” She [...]
Ben stood in the kitchen holding a grocery receipt. “Did you buy another one of these?” Margaret looked up from the counter. “One of what?” “The coffee makers.” She glanced at the appliance beside the toaster. “Oh. Yes. The old one was acting up.” “It's only two years old.” “I know.” “Then why did you [...]
