A

house smelled no different from petty bars and the streets. It wasn't a new development, so I didn't find it s

lessly haunted me all the days of my life, up to this moment. My hands instinctively

g the trails of cigarette butts and ashes that stained the marble floor. She was

I sank deeper into it, feeling the fatigue of working all day and night wash up to m

I felt confined- that was the only stable emotion that I'd been blessed with in

te had been on purpose. I wasn't quite sure I wanted to see it- now, or tomorrow. Yes, our relationship had

mind travel to all the edges of my life and how it had p

band checked on his sleeping wife before disappearing off to bed. Although, I'd rather not. Find

sensed it in, the aggression wasn't toned down. She waddled off the bed and

xiest of ways. No doubt, she was beautiful. Stunning even, but all that was shoved down my thro

acted as if I didn't see it. She took faltering steps towards me and threw her arms around my neck,

then scotch. My forehead creased, and I stepped away

"You are what I need. It's all you, Carl. I've been waiting." Her words were ca

et even her language right. Again, what had I gotten myself into? I pul

ne. Again, alcohol. More alcohol smell. I pulled her away again, and

e room and grabbing another bottle tightly in her arms that her knuckles almo

his night a nightmare, just as yesterday and, the day before th

main rational in this severely irrational situation.

int. Even her mother had believed me when I spoke of the drinking habit Linda

east stay wit

parsely thrown upon it. Typical for when a drunk tries to

by my side tonight?" Her tone reeked of desperati

don

It hit the wall and shattered to pieces, creating a loud crash that I was all too used to. T

spot as several other bottles that she'd thrown. It had become a rout

g exactly where it ended. A burst of laughter bubbled from

shard had sliced across her palm, and blood welled from the wound. "Look at this, look at what you've ca

ut

t tell me anything! If you can't get into that bed and sleep with me, don't..." Linda shuddered

aid with a hard gla

ed either side of my face. She cried in a hushed tone, and I could feel the blood from her palm

care anymore, and I was sick to my stomach hearing this

d to the other side of the bed and held something up. It was unclear from wh

m I not getting pregnant, Carl? We've tried everything! Why am I not gettin

ick of this circle, and you won't even touch me! How do yo

morning." It had been two years since the doctor had informed us of Linda's infertilit

e, like a man. Since then, we've had infuriating moments like this. Moments where I constantly th

ly faded before my eyes, and they were wide

Tonight might be our lucky day. Tonight might be the day

ff me,

t want

ered backward, feeling lightheaded myself, "You cannot have children, Linda. You

ice blurred, by tears and her voice w

This must be payback for what I did to Al

ve to go out without seeing Linda, especially after last night, but it was

when I heard my name from her very familia

t reek of alcohol this time. She stepped back, and the disappointment was etched

not h

rl.

insisted, walking away, a

thinking straight, and I've been try

od for us might be for you to stay the hell away from

say that to

fe. Now I've lost track

ad when you fucked and cheated with me?" Linda hit her chest. "The one over whom you chose me and cha

f that day replayed in my head. Alma's last

't know

her arms. "Are you going to t

ust like you did her? Talk to me, Carl! If she's such a sensitive topic, then I guess you should know. Alma is coming back

nd everything else fad

did yo

ross her chest, she rep