2014 Prompt Responses - 26. Prompt 334

“Son of a bitch!” I cursed as I tried to get my key into the lock of my front door. It wouldn’t budge. Lightning flashed and thunder pealed far too close for my comfort. I was soaking wet from the rain, which didn’t improve my mood. I was glad I left my luggage in the car. This was a hell of a way to come home after a week-long business trip.

I had a sinking feeling about the reason my key wouldn’t work. Mark had found out about Chris. I shook my head as I ran around the side of the house to the back door. The broken screen door slammed into the house as I entered the mudroom off the kitchen. I stood; dripping and shivering. I grabbed a towel from the laundry and dried off as best I could before venturing into the house. I covered my nose as a horrible smell permeated the air. The source was easy to find. A bowl of Mark’s favorite cereal – Honeycomb – was sitting in the sink in curdled milk. Mark must have left soon after I did for it to stink that badly.

An envelope was set on the counter with my name on it. My hands shook as I opened it.

Rob,

I found the letters. I knew something was wrong between us, but I never imagined it was this wrong. I could have forgiven a one-night fling, but a three-year affair? What did I do to push you so far away from me? Why couldn’t you talk to me? It’s obvious that this was about much more than just sex. That’s what hurts so much. I loved you with every fiber of my being. It’s legal now, so I was planning on proposing to you on our anniversary. I wanted to make the last twenty years official.

I’m giving you two weeks to clear out of the house. I took vacation time and am staying with my parents. Don’t bother calling. I can’t bear seeing you right now and I refuse to let you talk me into a third chance. I’d wish you good luck, but I don’t really mean it. The truth is that I hope Chris dumps your sorry ass and you realize just exactly what you have lost.

Please honor my wishes and don’t contact me. It’s the least you can do.

Mark

I sank down the counter, crushing the letter in my hands. I stared numbly forward. I had been trying to find the nerve to break it off with Chris for a while now. I realized that I fell in love with the newness of the relationship. The sex was amazing, but more than that was the attention. I relished when Chris told me how sexy I was and how much he loved me. I hadn’t had that from Mark in years.

Hot tears fell down my face as I realized that I had thrown away the past twenty years for another piece of ass. I dissolved into wracking sobs as the knowledge that I would never get to hold Mark again or tell him how much I truly did love him hit home.