Flash Fiction: Like Talking to a Brick Wall

Tiffany sunk down into a chair. Her dress was wrinkled, and her hair frazzled. There were dark circles under her eyes, but her mascara and lipstick were immaculate. It had been a long day. Taking care of two kids under two was no joke. But it was a Friday evening, and she’d somehow gotten the kids to bed by eight. She was looking forward to spending a bit of quality time with her husband before she fell asleep.

Footsteps from behind her told her John had come back downstairs. She turned to look at him and smiled. “John, I –”
John interrupted her by holding up his hand.

Tiffany’s face fell. “I was hoping we could spend the evening together, John. Can’t you tell the boys you’ll go out tomorrow?”

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

“Please, John. It’s been so long since we’ve had any time just the two of us. I just want to spend time with my husband.” She reached for his hand, but he didn’t take hers. Instead, he took a few steps towards the door.

“Fine! Act like you always do. Selfish. Because that’s what you are, John. Selfish.” She crossed her arms. “I spend all day caring for your children without any time for myself. I can’t even go to the bathroom in peace. Do you know what I did today, John? I washed my hair for the first time in a week. How many showers have you had this week, John? how many guests have you had when you’re on the toilet?”

She took a step towards him angrily, then caught herself. She took a deep breath and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry, John. I’m just a little overworked and overtired. I miss you.” She paused, softening her eyes. “I miss us. Won’t you stay with me?”

John ignored her and picked up his jacket.

Tiffany looked at her husband and felt rage bubbling up in her stomach. “It’s Samantha, isn’t it?” Tiffany practically spit at him. “You’re not going out with the boys at all, are you? That’s why you freshened up! That’s why you’re still wearing your suit. I thought you were done with her. John, you promised.”

She sunk back down into the chair and buried her face in her hands. “You promised,” she whispered. She jumped when the door slammed. Slowly, she rose to her feet and walked to the small bar in the living room, where she poured herself a stiff drink. She lifted the glass to her mouth and froze.

Tiffany held the pose until she heard clapping. She set the glass down and took an awkward bow, then stared past the bright lights into the darkness. She could just make out the silhouette of Ms. Garner.

“Thank you, Tiffany. The cast list will be posted on Monday.”