Total Eclipse

Written in response to https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2023/10/12/reenas-xploration-challenge-302/

A total eclipse, that is how Beth thought of it.

She trusted her husband, until the phone call destroyed her life forever. Married for twenty years, she thought he was faithful. Her name was Louise, and she begged her to let Steve go. They could be happy, bring up their new baby together.

At first, she refused to believe her lies, but something about his attitude didn’t quite add up. All those training days for work and evenings at the pub with his mates. His credit card bill, which she opened only to discount her suspicions, and the same hotel came up so many times, she had no choice but to believe this other woman.

He walked in the house, as she was stirring in the last ingredient for her casserole. It was his favourite, and he normally wolfed two bowls down. Tonight was no different. Two bowls later, and she stood at the sink washing up every last dish.

‘I’m going out tonight love,’ he said.

Without looking him in the eye she said, ‘oh, that’s good, another dart’s match?’

‘Yea, it’s the semi-finals, and you know I am invaluable for the team. I got the winning score.’

‘I’m not busy tonight, do you want me to go with you.’

‘No love, it’s boring, all us boys talking shop.’

She smiled, as pushed the pill bottle in the bin. She thought he might be home a little early tonight. Or perhaps a trip to accident and emergency. She had put so many laxatives in his dinner, he would be making firm friends with the hotel toilet. That’s if he made it that far.

‘See you later,’ she said.

As he left the house, she walked upstairs. By the time he came back home, his belongings would be in the garden. She thought about how she could make it clear she wasn’t going to be second best. She wasn’t going to leave, and his suitcase with his clothes in, would be outside the front door.

Grabbing a bottle of wine, she proceeded to pour out a large glass. ‘Hope you enjoy your evening, I certainly will have a brilliant evening, your suits, well they might not survive the night.’