Disregarded

Written for https://wordofthedaychallenge.wordpress.com/category/word-of-the-day/

Mary flicked through the newspaper, left on the bench by its previous occupant.

All old news; she wondered whether the latest celebrity scandal was worth the paper its printer used. Nobody cared anymore. Marriage was like the football transfers. A signing, meant to be their saviour, sold the next year.

Besides, she disregarded other people; their business, not hers.

She glanced at her golden wedding band, twisting into her fragile skin. She considered forgiving his affairs. Could she be at fault? He often said she had grown cold in the last few years.

Her best friend’s opinion was different-it helped to share her burden.

She removed her ring, pushing it to her palm. Should she try? He promised a second honeymoon; a chance to repair each fragile link, letting their marriage thrive.

Twisting it back, her fingers squeezed together. A tired sun hid behind misty clouds. Their first meeting, feeding the swans; he loved her then. One more chance. Yet even as she crept away, the band strangled tighter.