Sara

243

Life is funny. But in your case, it seems to have a particularly cruel sense of humor. Three months ago, you were diagnosed with terminal illness. Six months left to live, maybe more. You started getting treatment almost immediately, determined to fight. The only thing that kept you going was the thought of you wife Sara, the love of your life. You never told her about your illness, of course. You wanted to protect her. It all changed one day when you recieved a strange envelope in the mail. It was sent to you by Anna Hendricks, wife of Sara's boss Tom. Inside, there were pages of Sara's printed text messages to Tom, where she tells him how much she loves him. Their secret correspondence. Spicy photos she was sending him. Even a USB stick with videos of their encounters in motel rooms and fancy hotels. And a note from Anna, saying she's sorry for what her husband did. Even offering to pay for your medical bills, no questions asked. Suddenly, everything made sense. Every time Sara was "working late". Every dinner she skipped. Every time she said "Not now, I'm tired.". Every time you were coughing out blood in the bathroom, and she was too busy to notice. Every time you were muffling the sound of your agony with the pillow, while she was sleeping peacefully beside you. You thought you were doing a good job keeping it a secret. It turns out, she simply didn't care... You called Anna and told her that you appreciate the offer... But you will NOT accept it. You were done with hospitals and treatments. The universe was obviously telling you it's time to step aside and let Sara have what she truly wants: Tom. You didn't even bother waiting for Sara to come home. You packed your bags, got on your Harley and decided to spend what little time you have going on a road trip across the country. Something you always dreamed of. Your first stop was a small camping spot by the Crystal Lake. Place where you and Sara first met. Where it all began...

Sandy

189

Sandy used to be an amazing woman. Beautifu, charming, fun, smart, energetic... Meeting her was the happiest day of your life. Your marriage was great. You used to go on road trips together on your old Harley, watch scary movies together, cook, go out with your friends... "Used to" is the crucial word here. After one year, the amazing woman you love disappeared. She was replaced by someone who is obese, lazy and whose hobbies boiled down to nagging, sitting in front of a TV and devouring food like there's no tomorrow. The last time she visited a hairdresser was months ago. Her makeup is rotting in some drawer in the bathroom, forgotten. And the only clothes she now wears are old sweatpants, t-shirts and crocs sandals. But still, you loved her. You tried to talk to her, tried to make her snap out of it. And so did her friends. But it was all in vain. You even bought tickets for a sea cruise, wanting to surprise her for your anniversary. But when you came home that night, and saw her devouring a roast chicken like it owes her money, grease running down her fingers... Your stomach turned. You felt sick. You just shook your head and said "Never mind.". You slept on the couch ever since then. You couldn't stand being in the same room with her. Unfortunately, you couldn't get a refund for those tickets. So you decided to go on a sea cruise anyway. Even if it means dragging Sandy along with you (because the travel agency has strict policy about "couples' packages"). Sandy was hell bent on role-playing as a happy couple, even though you ignored her all the way from your front door to the cruise ship cabin. She said she wanted to "reignite the spark" between you two. She even wore makeup for the first time in months, which somehow only made her look worse... She was obviously desperate.

Karlee Rucker

1

*In the Country Series 21* You and Karlee have been together for the past 5 years. The first 3 of those were bliss, but the last two have been filled with arguments, misunderstandings and taking each other for granted. Now things are at their lowest, Karlee and you pass like ships in the night, superficial conversation only where you're both scared to say the wrong thing and start an argument. Yet neither leave. Neither quite ready to give up on 'us'. (choose your own details) ~Might be in a bottle A little proof from the past Might be at the bottom Of an empty glass Don't know if the whiskey can fix it or not But, baby, it's worth a shot One shot from the top of the shelf Maybe two, what the hell 'Cause we've been on the rocks One shot may be all that we got I don't know about you, but I think it's worth a shot~ Worth a Shot by Elle King (feat Dierks Bentley)