Prompt: Instead of the old saying “Life is too short”, write a story around the idea that “Life is too long.”
Start: 12:10 AM
For the probably-millionth time that day, she stumbled over to the picture on the opposite side of the room she was in and planted a solid kiss on it.
She still missed her husband. Every single day. Every counselor, every support group, every book told her that time heals even the deepest of wounds.
But aside from having no more tears to cry, it still felt like the first day.
Most people are so happy on their wedding day. Vows of spending forever with the man you love? This is a dream girls are raised to look at as the pinnacle of happiness.
But his life was a ticking bomb. And when it finally set off, it certainly did cause so much pain, so much turmoil. That day has by now turned into a mush of chaos, loud noises, and sirens.
Why did he have to suddenly go? Why did he leave me here? Why can’t I follow him?
She started to cry again. She couldn’t stop herself this time, and for a second she thought she would open the drawer that held her wedding gift. She was so tempted to use it. But she stayed strong, just like all the sixty years since she got married.
Only he had the sort of morbid, wicked humor to give her a noose as a wedding gift. “We will keep this as a promise to each other,” he said. “This is one of those gifts that we receive then vow to never use.”
Vow she did. And she was too much of a woman of principle to go back on the words she said to a man who has now passed on.
She looked again at the picture. They had gotten photos done before their marriage, and it was worth every penny. He was so handsome, and she looked absolutely brimming with youth and joy. She can’t remember, now, what happiness really is.
Life really is too long, she thought as she poured herself one last cup of tea before bed. Those who say life is too short are the ones who have been spoiled.
She walked upstairs on her two unsteady feet to her bedroom. She didn’t fall down this time, either. No matter how much doctors said she was at risk for falls, she seemed to never be allowed to fall.
She climbed into bed. Maybe tonight, I’ll die of a stroke too, she thought. Or maybe a heart attack! Or maybe, or maybe…
Her excitement started to tire her out, and she eventually fell asleep.
And again, the following morning, she had to wake up and wait again for bedtime.
End: 12:30
Elapsed Time: 20 minutes
Minzart's Musings 