Electrical currents pulsed through the incandescent light above the woman’s head. Standing across of the mirror, she slowly ran her eyes along her outline inspecting every inch with scrutiny. She gathered her hair up into a bun. Unsatisfied she yanked her hair down rearranging the curls to frame her face in something remotely flattering. In the distance beeping sounded from the kitchen. Glancing once more at the mirror the woman sighed and flicked the switch off.
Sauntering into the kitchen, the woman stirred the pot cooking on the stove. She then adjusted the sauce to a simmer and began to set the table for two. Glancing at the time shown on the stove she sat down and watched the door expectantly. Half an hour came and went before the door opened. A man appeared at the entrance of the home. He was well kept and held a decent stature. The woman’s eyes lit up as he entered. He continued past the woman silently.
Unnerved the woman called out to the man, “I made you dinner.”
“I’m not very hungry,” he stated flatly.
“I love you, “she whispered.
“I love you too,” he returned. But, the words lacked warmth and meaning as he said them.
The next day the woman worked to clean the house. Lifting laundry from the basket she tossed clothes into the wash. She repeated the monotonous job mindlessly until she noticed staining at the collar of her husband’s shirt that appeared to be lipstick. With a shake of her head she dismissed its very existence. After the clothes finished the wash cycle, she placed the clothes into the dryer. As the dryer started to spin, a rattling began. She opened the dryer searching for the source of the noise. Dazed she withdrew her husband’s ring and placed it into her pocket.
Later that day she found herself in front of the mirror yet again. She stared at her reflection long and hard. She cast her head down feeling dejected and began to rummage through various drawers, not caring whether they slammed as she moved onto the next. Finally, she withdrew lipstick and mascara and applied each ever so carefully. Still as she peered at the reflection she was unimpressed. She left to the kitchen and pulled out an elaborated dish, much more delectable than the spaghetti she cooked yesterday. She then set two places at the table and waited expectantly. Just as the third hour passed, she rose from her chair.
She returned to the bathroom. Crouching over the sink she roughly washed the lipstick and mascara from her face. She paused in front of the mirror for a moment and smiled at the reflection. The rustling of keys stirred her attention. She walked slowly to the front door, where her husband stood. She gave him a slight nod acknowledging what she had always knew, but never accepted until now. She held his hand one last time before walking out the door. Perplexed, the man listened to the engine of the car start from behind him and looked down to find two rings in his hand.